NDC Criticises “Shameful” Arrest Of Protestors During Demonstration Against Akufo-Addo Government

• The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the arrest of protesters trying to march on the presidency
• The opposition party described the arrest of the protestors as shameful and brutish in a statement
• A demonstrator who spoke to YEN.com.gh was upset that police were trying to undermine the protests with the courts

The NDC has condemned the arrest of protesters demonstrating against the government on Thursday, September 21.

In a statement, the opposition party said the arrests violated human rights.

“The NDC is saddened by such crude tactics being deployed by the Police at a time when the IGP is being applauded for making efforts toward transforming the Ghana Police Service into the best institution in the country. This shameful show of brute force runs counter to that."

The NDC further extended its sympathy by pledging legal support to the protestors arrested by police.

Read also

OccupyJulorbiHouse demo: Group gather for final day of protest

An Accra-based civil society group, Democracy Hub, organised the protest, which was scheduled to run for three days.

On the eve of the protest, the police said it had filed an injunction against the event.

The protesters said they had not been served with the ruling, leading to the eventual arrests.

A convener with the FixTheCountry movement, who identified himself as Brian, expressed his frustrations to YEN.com.gh.

“We have engaged [police] for a month. Just yesterday they said they have gone to occur for an injunction and the injunction too; they have not served anybody with the injunction yet,” he fumed.

Bridget Otoo assaulted by the police

Bridget Otoo was one of many people who went to the Accra Regional Police Command to solidarise with those arrested and demand their release.

Read also

Dumelo joins #OccupyJulorbiHouse demo, says Ghana needs fixing: “Not here for politics”

During the exchanges, the broadcaster was allegedly assaulted by some police officers. In a video circulating online, she was pulled along in a melee.

In a later video, Bridget Otoo confirmed that she had been assaulted by the police, adding that her dress got torn during the altercation.

"The policeman grabbed me along with another man and ripped my shirt. So I'm standing here, half-naked. I don't know who gave me this to wrap around my middle because I'm not comfortable," she said.

Husband of Bridget Otoo fumes over police harassment

Moments after Bridget's incident went viral, YEN.com.gh reported that her husband, Dr Ago Tetteh, was spotted in a video charging at the police officers at the regional command.

"Let them kill her, and let's see. This is a foolish thing to do. I'll show them I'm a man. I'm right here. Any police officer should come try me, and let's see," he said.

Source: YEN.com.gh