Police warn galamsey protest organisers of legal consequences for any law breach

The Ghana Police Service says it will hold the organisers of the Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey demonstration scheduled to take place from 3rd to 5th October 2024 responsible if they breach the law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the police indicated that “During Police engagement with the organisers, the Police reminded the organisers of their responsibilities under the Public Order Act, which includes being held liable for any damage caused to any public property during the demonstration.

“Any person taking part in the demonstration shall obey the directions of the Police safeguarding the proper movement of other persons and vehicles and generally maintain order, and any person taking part in a special event shall conduct himself in such a manner as to avoid causing obstruction of traffic, confusion or disorder.”

“Additionally, the organisers were also reminded of Police responsibilities under the Public Order Act, which include taking all such steps reasonably necessary during the demonstration as follows; a. to assist in the proper conduct of any special event by directing the routes of such event to prevent obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

“To disperse crowds at any special event where he has reasonable grounds to believe that a breach of the peace is likely to occur or if any breach of the peace has occurred or is occurring in order to prevent violence, restore order, and preserve the peace; may cause to be closed such streets or parts thereof to pedestrian or vehicular traffic or both and may cause to be erected such barriers as may be necessary to preserve public order,” it stated.

The Police assured the public that sufficient security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order and ensure peace and security during the demonstration and beyond.