Police warns against unlawful demonstrations
Organisers of demonstrations have been urged to adhere to Ghana's Public Order Act by informing the Police Administration of any intended protest at least five days before the event.
The Police in a statement said it had taken note of a recent disregard for laws governing public assembly in the country which have resulted in damage to both state and private properties.
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The statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Superintendent Sheila Kessie Abayie-Buckman stressed that a failure to notify the Police of any special event can lead to imprisonment of the organisers.
"The Police Administration notes with concern, recent disregard for laws governing public assembly in Ghana, resulting in damage to both state and private properties. It is reiterated that such assembly including "demonstrations" falls directly under the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491)," the release said.
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"The Public Order Act places an obligation on persons who desire to hold demonstrations or special events to give notice to the Police of such intention in a period of not less than five days before the date of the event. It also obliges participants to obey the directions of police officers safeguarding the proper movement of other persons and vehicles and generally maintaining order.
"The Police Administration, therefore, calls on organisers and participants of such events to give due regard to the laws of the country. It also wishes to remind the public that failure to notify the police of any special event amounts to an offence which can lead to various penalties including imprisonment. Also, if any crimes are committed in the course of such unlawful demonstrations, all participants are jointly and severally responsible for the crimes".
The release added that the Police had put in place measures including the closure of some roads and facilities to contain any unlawful demonstration.
"The Police Administration, however, assures the general public that measures have been put in place to contain the unlawful demonstrations. While regretting the inconveniences created to the public by the closure of some roads and facilities, it assures that such actions are necessary for the protection of lives and properties".
