Democracy Hub Demo: Police confirm arrests of protesters at 37 Intersection

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of several demonstrators from the Democracy Hub following clashes at the 37 Intersection in Accra today (September 22, 2024). 

The protest, now in its second day, saw demonstrators attempt to block sections of the road with vehicles and dismantle police barriers, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement.

In a statement released today, the police detailed that they were forced to "use all lawful means" to restrain protesters and remove a vehicle that had caused a blockade. 

Some demonstrators were arrested, while others fled the scene. The police assured the public that the situation is now under control, and traffic is flowing freely.

The protests are part of a three-day demonstration organised by the Democracy Hub, focusing on grievances related to economic mismanagement and other national issues. 

On the first day, protesters had similarly caused disruptions at the 37 Roundabout, prompting swift police intervention.

On the second day, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, one of the convenors of the Democracy Hub street protest, was seen removing a key from a police vehicle and throwing it away.

The vehicle, a towing truck had been brought to the scene by the police, to tow a vehicle the protesters had used to block the main road.

The police wanted traffic to flow. But the convenor, sneaked into the car which had the engine running, turned it off, removed the key and threw it away.

Watch the video below

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, one of the convenors of the Democracy Hub street protest, seen removing a key from a police vehicle and throwing it away.

Police confirm arrests of protesters at 37 Intersection https://t.co/PsHsmb9xrehttps://t.co/H1QYpk7wlF pic.twitter.com/45nTetrxxB

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) September 22, 2024

Read the entire Police statement below;

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Democracy Hub demonstrators are once again engaging in acts that seek to disturb the peace and impede the free flow of traffic at the 37 Intersection. The demonstrators tried to block sections of the road with a vehicle, push down police crash barriers and attack our officers.

In order to keep the peace and maintain law and order the Police were compelled to use all lawful means to restrain them, and tow away the vehicle which was causing the blockade.

Police have arrested some of the perpetrators while others have run away from the scene.

We would like to assure the public that the situation is under control, there is free flow of traffic and Police will continue to ensure security, law and order.