On the day of a significant protest in Ghana, citizens gathered under the banner of the Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights, demanding urgent reforms within the Ghana Police Service. The protest, dubbed ‘Occupy and Cleanse the Crime Scene’, brought together a collective of Ghanaians frustrated by unchecked abuses of power, negligence, and misconduct within the police force.
Leading the charge, the Convenor of the Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights, Mr. William Kofi Yirenkyi expressed outrage over the failure of the police to uphold the law, highlighting that the Ghana Police Service, meant to ensure public safety, has become part of the problem. He made clear their demands for accountability, calling for the dismissal of key police officers, including the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department, the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, and the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit Commander, citing incompetence and dereliction of duty.
The protesters also demanded that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) release critical information that the Right to Information Commission had instructed him to provide, accusing the IGP of selective enforcement of laws and calling for his resignation. Mr. Kofi Yirenkyi also emphasized the need for systemic reforms to hold every officer accountable for their actions.
He shared personal experiences of injustice due to police inaction, echoing the frustrations of many attendees. The protestors issued a seven-day ultimatum to the police to respond to their demands, vowing to escalate their fight through legal channels and even take the matter to the President if necessary.
The protestors highlighted that their cause extends beyond just the police but touches on the future of the nation and the foundations of democracy. They argued that without a trustworthy and accountable police force, national security is compromised, and justice remains inaccessible. The Alliance also acknowledged the contributions of honorable officers while emphasizing that the protest targets those who have abused their power.
The demonstration marked a pivotal moment in the movement for police reform in Ghana, with citizens urging the police to respond swiftly or face increased pressure from the public.
