The Ghana Police Service has initiated legal proceedings against three Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for their refusal to reschedule their planned demonstrations.

The organizations in question, namely Democracy Hub, Patriotic Hub, and Patriotic Forum for Accountable Governance, each sought permission to picket and hold processions at the forecourt of the Jubilee House from December 1, 2023, to January 5, 2023, to advocate for their respective causes.

In a statement, the police cited the conflicting interests, time frame, and location of the CSOs’ activities as a threat to public safety, defense, and order, making coordination impossible. The security service called a meeting with the three groups to discuss postponing their dates, but an agreement was not reached, leading to the matter being referred to the appropriate institution.

“Considering the disagreement on the matter and the worrisome situation of three different groups intending to demonstrate at the same place, within the same time frame, and having conflicting objectives, the Police Command, acting in accordance with the Public Order Act, resolved to refer the matters to the appropriate institution to settle the disagreements and provide direction to the Police as well as the various Organisers,” stated parts of the release.

On November 15, 2023, the police filed an application at the Accra High Court, with the first hearing scheduled for November 21, 2023.

The police received notices from Democracy Hub, Patriotic Hub, and Patriotic Forum For Accountable Governance on October 11, 2023, October 12, 2023, and October 23, 2023, respectively, each requesting permission for various activities at the Jubilee House forecourt.

Democracy Hub’s planned picketing aims to demand the resignation of President Akufo-Addo or his impeachment by parliament. Patriotic Hub seeks police protection for a month-long picketing to call for improved living conditions for Ghanaian citizens. Patriotic Forum For Accountable Governance plans a procession to express appreciation for sustaining the nation through Covid-19 and setting it on the path to economic recovery.

The police argued that the timelines of these activities coincide with Christmas and New Year festivities, posing a potential risk to public safety and defense. The release mentioned that, in light of this, protestors were asked to reschedule their activities to any date after January 5, 2023. The disagreement among the CSOs has compelled the police to seek legal resolution through the court.

Below is the press release: