The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has shot down a request from the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) for permission to hit the streets over the Agyapa Royalties Agreement.
ASEPA, a civil society group had written to the police seeking permission to protest the controversial deal that seeks to monetize Ghana’s gold royalties.
However, the police in a response to the group’s request for a civil demonstration said the demand cannot be granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reply from the police indicates that although it acknowledges the receipt of the group’s letter, restrictions imposed on public gatherings of more than 200 people without face masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic is still in full force.
Police officials therefore said, ASEPA’s request to have 20,000 people gather for the demonstration is impossible.
“There is the tendency that COVID-19 protocols would be breached. If permitted to demonstrate in this manner, public health and security could be endangered. Your notification to demonstrate in this COVID-19 pandemic era cannot be sanctioned please,” the statement signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Deputy Regional Commander for the Accra Region, E. A Sakyi explained.
