The Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights (ARCR), a civil rights advocacy group, on Monday 9th September announced the details of the upcoming protest on the theme “Occupy and Cleanse the Crime Scene.”
The protest is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 11th September 2024, and is aimed at addressing the ongoing issues of corruption, human rights violations, and systemic failures within the Ghana Police Service.
The leader of ARCR, Mr. William Kofi Yirenkyi, addressed the media, outlining the urgency and significance of the protest in light of growing public concerns.
Statement from William Kofi Yirenkyi:
“Good afternoon, members of the press, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens. We gather today under the banner of the Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights to bring attention to an issue that affects the very core of our society: the systemic failures within the Ghana Police Service and their far-reaching consequences on our nation.”
Mr. Yirenkyi highlighted the deteriorating trust between the public and the police, citing various international reports that have flagged the Ghana Police Service for corruption, impunity, and human rights abuses.
He cited that according to the Afrobarometer survey, only 28% of Ghanaians trust the police, with 65% identifying them as the most corrupt institution in the country.
“The Afrobarometer survey paints a grim picture of the state of law enforcement in our country, reflecting a shift in public perception where the police are no longer seen as protectors, but as contributors to injustice,” said Mr. Yirenkyi.
International Reports and Corruption Index:
In addition to the Afrobarometer findings, the U.S. Department of State has identified the Ghana Police Service for issues related to corruption, impunity, and human rights violations, including the use of excessive force.
Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index also ranks Ghana poorly, implicating key institutions, including the police, in widespread corruption.
“The implications of these findings extend beyond mere statistics. When institutions meant to uphold the law and protect citizens are viewed as corrupt, it damages our nation’s reputation, both locally and internationally. It compromises our democracy, our ability to attract investment, and most importantly, the safety of our citizens,” Yirenkyi emphasized.
Objectives of the Protest:
The protest seeks to demand comprehensive reforms in the Ghana Police Service and accountability for misconduct within its ranks. Specifically, ARCR is calling for:
- Immediate Dismissals: The removal of Director-General of CID ACP Faustina Agyeiwaa Kodua Andoh-Kwofi, Greater Accra Regional Commander DCOP Arhin Kwasi Annor, and Superintendent Augustine Offei, Commander of the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit. These individuals have been implicated in several instances of misconduct and failure to act on critical criminal complaints, including those affecting national security.
- Release of Withheld Information: The immediate release of information unlawfully withheld by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), as directed by the Right to Information Commission.
- IGP Resignation or Reforms: Should reforms fail to materialize within seven days following the protest, ARCR will call for the resignation of the IGP, potentially pursuing legal action and submitting petitions to the highest levels of government, including the Office of the President.
- Comprehensive Police Reforms: ARCR is advocating for structural changes within the police service to improve professionalism, transparency, and accountability. This includes better training, independent oversight bodies, and mechanisms for investigating complaints against officers.
- Public Awareness Campaign: The protest also aims to raise awareness among the general public about the implications of systemic issues within the Ghana Police Service and the broader threats to civil rights and democracy in Ghana.
- End to Impunity: The protest will challenge the culture of impunity within the Ghana Police Service. ARCR seeks to establish the principle that no public official, including police officers, is above the law.
- International Attention: ARCR intends to engage international human rights organizations and foreign diplomatic missions to garner support in pressuring the Ghanaian government to uphold global human rights standards.
A Call to Action:
“The ‘Occupy and Cleanse the Crime Scene’ protest is not merely about exposing the failings of the police but also acknowledging their contributions,” Mr. Yirenkyi added.
“Many officers serve with dedication and integrity. Unfortunately, the systemic corruption and impunity place both the public and the police at risk.”
The ARCR emphasizes that the protest will be peaceful but resolute in its demand for immediate reforms. Mr. Yirenkyi urged all Ghanaians, civil society organizations, and members of the international community to participate in the protest.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” he concluded. “This is a call to action, not just for Ghanaians, but for anyone who believes in justice, integrity, and human rights.”
