Bernard Mornah, 18 others granted bail after Kawukudi Park arrest

The national chairman of the People’s National Convention, (PNC), Mr. Bernard Mornah has been granted bail along with 18 others arrested Saturday morning for what police say was unlawful assembly.

The police also accused them of engaging in acts that were likely to occasion the breach of the peace.

Bernard and the rest were picked up by the Nima Police at about 9am from the Kawukudi Park in Accra from where they had planned to embark on a demonstration in support of Togolese nationals in Ghana agitating for a change in government in Togo.

When reached on the phone over his whereabouts at about 7pm, Mr Mornah told Graphic Online he and the others were just about leaving the Nima police station after Mr. Don Arthur secured bail for them.

The police who said the intended demonstration was against the advice of the Police, acknowledged that they had earlier agreed with Mr. Mornah and his colleagues to go ahead with the demonstration.

“The police initially indicated their preparedness to provide the required security for the demonstration but based on an information received by the police that another group had planned to disrupt the demonstration as well as other operational exigencies the police had to handle, the leader of the group Mr. Bernard Mornah was advised to suspend the demonstration but he failed to heed to the advice and went ahead to organize the group who assembled at Kawukudi park ready to embark on the demonstration.

“The police administration is once again appealing to persons or group of persons who intend to embark on any public event especially during this Christmas period to cooperate with the police to ensure the security of the demonstrators as well as members of the public.”

Togo has in recent months experienced political upheavals that have resulted in a number of deaths following agitations for an end to the Gnassingbe dynasty and calls for political reforms.