Ghanaians have expressed disappointment and anger over the reckless actions of protestors during the recent Democracy Hub demonstrations in Accra.
What began as a peaceful call to raise awareness about government mismanagement and the impact of illegal mining quickly spiralled into chaos, resulting in the disruption of public order, damage to property, and inconvenience to commuters across major parts of the capital.
On 21 September 2024, demonstrators from the Democracy Hub group defied a court order barring them from assembling near the Jubilee House.
Despite police warnings and suggestions for alternative venues, the protestors gathered near the 37 Roundabout and attempted to push through police barricades in a bid to reach the Revolutionary Square.
This sparked violent confrontations, during which protestors blocked major roads, threw stones, damaged billboards, and burned political flags and posters.
The resulting chaos led to hours of traffic gridlock, affecting thousands of commuters, who were left stranded in the heat as demonstrators took over key roads.
“It’s unfair that they chose to express their frustrations in this manner,” remarked a frustrated taxi driver caught in the gridlock.
“There are better ways to protest without disrupting the lives of innocent citizens,” he added. “Local business owners also voiced their dismay, noting that the disruption impacted their daily operations.
“I lost hours of work today, and my clients were stuck in traffic. This kind of behaviour is reckless and counterproductive,” Ama Nkansah, a businesswoman in Kawukudi said,
While the protestors aimed to highlight the government’s handling of illegal mining and broader economic issues, many Ghanaians felt their message was overshadowed by the disorderly nature of the demonstration. The public is now calling for more responsible forms of protest that do not endanger public peace or disrupt daily life.
The case has been adjourned to 8 October 2024, as the courts continue to address the charges against the arrested demonstrators.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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