By Augustine Ehikioya
The ‘Arise Ghana’ demonstration on Tuesday became violent with twelve Police officers injured and Police vehicles damaged.
The demonstration, according to Police account, became violent when ‘Arise Ghana’ demonstrators decided to ignore Court ruling on the matter, which outlined the routes, time and location of the demonstration.
A statement issued by the Chief Superintendent of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi of the Public Affairs, Ghana Police Service, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said the demonstrators attacked Police personnel who tried to ensure that the demonstration follows the Court ruling.
It said “The demonstration by the Arise Ghana group commenced with demonstrators gathering at the Obra spot at about 8am.
“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.
“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.”
The statement also said that some Police vehicles have also been damaged by the demonstrators.
It went on “The demonstrators further regrouped and burnt tires on the road around Circle. 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, the statement said, has partially been cleared.
The Police also urged “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.”
“We wish to assure the public that all those involved in this violent demonstration will be brought to face justice,” the Police stated.