- The CHRAJ has urged law enforcement, including the police, to establish a positive relationship with protesters, treating them as citizens with rights rather than troublemakers. Commissioner Joseph Whittal emphasized that this approach would lead to smoother demonstrations.
- Additionally, Whittal recommended that law enforcement prioritize the realization of assembly and other protected rights, with restrictions only when necessary in a democratic society.
- On September 21, the police arrested 49 individuals participating in the #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest near the Jubilee House and the 37 Military Hospital. The arrests were made on charges of unlawful assembly and violating the Public Order Act. The police stated that the suspects disregarded court orders to refrain from the planned demonstration.
- Former Tamale Central MP and lawyer Inusah Fuseini criticized the police for making arrests without a warrant, stating that under the Public Order Act, arrests should only occur with proper notice or a criminal summons. CHRAJ also condemned the police’s actions, emphasizing citizens’ constitutional right to assemble and protest.
- CHRAJ added its voice to those denouncing the police’s conduct and reminded them that the Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to assemble (otherwise known as the right to protest or the right to demonstrate).
- “The Commission sadly notes that the Police response over the years against protesters has been disproportionate and leaves much to be desired,” it said.
