Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has become a battleground for a wide range of reactions from Ghanaians venting their frustrations over the arrest of protestors who participated in the #OccupyJulorBiHouse demonstration.
Leaders of pressure group, Democracy Hub, pressed ahead with their planned protest, despite an injunction application by the Ghana Police Service.
The group’s demands encompass various reforms, including a reduction in the cost of living, an end to corruption, and improved governance.
But during the early hours of Thursday, September 21, the police took into custody approximately 49 demonstrators involved in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
In the wake of these events, social media has become a platform rife with discord over the conduct of the Ghana Police Service.
A significant portion of comments suggests that the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare played a central role in orchestrating the police’s actions during the demonstration.
Critics argued that since Dr. Dampare is the head of the police institution, any actions carried out by the police bear the weight of orders from the highest level.
On the contrary, other Ghanaians came to the defense of Dr. Dampare, asserting that he was not involved in the police’s suppression of the demonstrators, emphasising that he bore no responsibility for these actions.
The police boss recently appeared before a parliamentary probe committee, and told the whole world he desires to make the Ghana Police Service one of the best in the world.
They are, therefore, calling on the IGP to intervene in the arrest of the demonstrators by the police.
Arrested during an interview. Wild. The IGP is really doing the most. This doesn’t get any less depressing.
— Richard A. Abbey (@annerquaye) September 21, 2023
Shameless Ghana Police Service. I cannot count the number of times I’ve praised the IGP on social media and on TV/Radio.
To say I’m disappointed in him with what’s happened today is an understatement.
A big blot on everything he’s done thus far.
Unless he comes out to claim…
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) September 21, 2023
Injunction or not, the police cannot treat young protestors in this manner. To protest is a right enshrined under the Constitution and the legitimacy of a protest is not dependent on the cause. IGP Dampare, respectfully establish democratic order and safeguard the rights of the…
— Akosua Manu (@KozieOzie) September 21, 2023
Where’s the IGP when you need him!!!
— Mansa Musa (@THEREALKIWI1) September 21, 2023
Let stop playing the Ostrich and acting like we don’t know the real issue. We need constitutional reforms. Until the Power to appoint the IGP is taken from the Prez n given to the Police Council, police brutality of protestors will never stop. Didn’t start today n wont end today https://t.co/ldI8LWcKsW
— Benjamin Kesse (@Nana_kesse1) September 21, 2023
Go & tell chairman of Police Council Bawumia to stop these useless riots against peaceful protestors not the IGP!! Order from Above? When OccupyGhana with ken ofori Atta & rest were picketing @ jubilee house in 2016! Did you see 👀 these brutalities during Mahama's era# Shameful pic.twitter.com/UjAW2Bg7Lr
— kay Delali (@DelaliHodasi) September 21, 2023
