Members of pressure group, Arise Ghana, who are mostly opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters yesterday went on rampage in the streets of Accra.
They violently attacked personnel of the Ghana Police Service, injuring 12 officers and destroying public property in the process.
The Arise Ghana demonstrators were on the streets to protest against what they described as high fuel prices, joblessness and overall harsh economic conditions in the country in a demonstration that was supposed to be peaceful under police protection.
However, the protestors went berserk, injuring police officers, compelling the police to throw tear gas to disperse the marauding demonstrators.
The confusion began when the protesters started pelting stones at the police officers.
A tweet by the Ghana Police Service lamented, “Attack on Police in the Ongoing Arise Ghana Demonstration.
“What a shame, we were there to protect you and ensure your safety, but you throw stones at us, injure and hurt us. This behaviour is unacceptable and must be condemned”, the police stated in the tweet.
Police statement
In statement issued later, the Police explained that the demonstration by the Arise Ghana group commenced with demonstrators gathering at the 0bra spot at about 8 am.
However, contrary to the court orders, the organisers insisted on using routes leading to the Jubilee House. All attempts to persuade them to comply with the court-approved routes did not yield the expected results”, the statement signed by Chief Superintendent of Police, Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs explained.
The statement added that, “Unfortunately and without any provocation, the demonstrators began pelting the police with stones. So far, 12 Police officers who sustained various degrees of injuries and were treated in the Police Mobile Hospitals have been transferred to the Police Hospital for further treatment. Some police vehicles have also been damaged”.
It stressed that, “the demonstrators further regrouped and burnt tires on the road around Order. The fire from the burning tires has since been put out by the police. The Police, therefore, had no option but to use tear gas and water cannons to subdue the rioting and restore order. The process Is still ongoing.
“The road has partially been cleared and we urge all road users to continue to bear with us and use alternative routes where possible as we take steps to fully disperse the rioting demonstrators”.
The police assured the public that all those involved in the violent demonstration will be brought to face justice.
Meanwhile, the police service has arrested some of the protesters for their alleged involvement in the tension that has characterised the demonstration.
