The Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent of Police Mrs Sheilla Kessie Abayie Buckman has urged members of the public who wished to embark on demonstration or any public events should first notify the Police Administration.

This admonishment comes on the heels of the Police Administration noting with concern, recent disregard for laws governing public assembly in Ghana, resulting in damage to both state and private properties. It is reiterated that such assembly including “demonstrations” fall directly under the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491). 

Contained in a statement issued yesterday, December 15, 2020, she indicated that the Public Order Act places an obligation on persons who desire to hold demonstrations or special events to give notice to the Police of such intention in a period of not less than five days before the date of the event.

“It also obliges participants to obey the directions of police officers safeguarding the proper movement of other persons and vehicles and generally maintaining order,” she added.

She added that the Police Administration, therefore, calls on organisers and participants of such events to give due regard to the laws of the country. 

Supt Mrs Buckman, however, cautioned that the Police Administration, ”wishes to remind the public that failure to notify the police of any special event amounts to an offence which can lead to various penalties including imprisonment. Also, if any crimes are committed in the course of such unlawful demonstrations, all participants are jointly and severally responsible for the crimes.” 

She added that the Police Administration, however, assures the general public that measures have been put in place to contain the unlawful demonstrations, adding “wile regretting the inconveniences created to the public by the closure of some roads and facilities, it assures that such actions are necessary for the protection of lives and properties.”