Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has become a battleground for a wide range of reactions from Ghanaians venting their frustrations over the arrest of protestors who participated in the #OccupyJulorBiHouse demonstration.
Leaders of pressure group, Democracy Hub, pressed ahead with their planned protest, despite an injunction application by the Ghana Police Service.
The group’s demands encompass various reforms, including a reduction in the cost of living, an end to corruption, and improved governance.
But during the early hours of Thursday, September 21, the police took into custody approximately 49 demonstrators involved in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
In the wake of these events, social media has become a platform rife with discord over the conduct of the Ghana Police Service.
A significant portion of comments suggests that the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare played a central role in orchestrating the police’s actions during the demonstration.
Critics argued that since Dr. Dampare is the head of the police institution, any actions carried out by the police bear the weight of orders from the highest level.
On the contrary, other Ghanaians came to the defense of Dr. Dampare, asserting that he was not involved in the police’s suppression of the demonstrators, emphasising that he bore no responsibility for these actions.
The police boss recently appeared before a parliamentary probe committee, and told the whole world he desires to make the Ghana Police Service one of the best in the world.
They are, therefore, calling on the IGP to intervene in the arrest of the demonstrators by the police.
Arrested during an interview. Wild. The IGP is really doing the most. This doesn’t get any less depressing.
— Richard A. Abbey (@annerquaye) September 21, 2023
Shameless Ghana Police Service. I cannot count the number of times I’ve praised the IGP on social media and on TV/Radio.
To say I’m disappointed in him with what’s happened today is an understatement.
A big blot on everything he’s done thus far.
Unless he comes out to claim…
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) September 21, 2023
Injunction or not, the police cannot treat young protestors in this manner. To protest is a right enshrined under the Constitution and the legitimacy of a protest is not dependent on the cause. IGP Dampare, respectfully establish democratic order and safeguard the rights of the…
— Akosua Manu (@KozieOzie) September 21, 2023
Where’s the IGP when you need him!!!
— Mansa Musa (@THEREALKIWI1) September 21, 2023
They’re saying is a command from above, stop blaming the IGP
— JERUBAH (@Kingjerubah) September 21, 2023
Let stop playing the Ostrich and acting like we don’t know the real issue. We need constitutional reforms. Until the Power to appoint the IGP is taken from the Prez n given to the Police Council, police brutality of protestors will never stop. Didn’t start today n wont end today https://t.co/ldI8LWcKsW
— Benjamin Kesse (@Nana_kesse1) September 21, 2023
Ghana under Akuffo Addo/Bawumia has turn into a living hell. Citizen are suffering and being asked not to voice out or protest. Disappointed in the IGP and entire Ghana Police Force.
How did we end up here as a nation. Where are the Chiefs, Pastors, Mallam’s and Opinion leader? pic.twitter.com/AjFz4PqGAV
— Wujah Bless
(@wizsahad) September 21, 2023
Go & tell chairman of Police Council Bawumia to stop these useless riots against peaceful protestors not the IGP!! Order from Above? When OccupyGhana with ken ofori Atta & rest were picketing @ jubilee house in 2016! Did you see
these brutalities during Mahama's era# Shameful pic.twitter.com/UjAW2Bg7Lr
— kay Delali (@DelaliHodasi) September 21, 2023
We're familiar with this games you want to play. You knw honestly that the IGP will never do this. The powers that brought him to office are the ones who can stop this nonsense going on. #OccupyJulorbiHouse https://t.co/mY0ZsqYPIh
— Mohammed
The IGP is not the meek, kind man he projects. He's a member of Church Of Pentecost so it's not shocking to me.
— Sɛkyerewaa (@S3kyerewaa) September 21, 2023
We know who is in control. This is not the IGP, it's definitely the president and his government. https://t.co/OFIxCG0KXB
— Edem (@JonasKedzI) September 21, 2023
Is this the IGP y’all think will be on your side come next year's elections?
Just bookmark this tweet
— Dapper Queen Of Kings (@IvyEnyonam_) September 21, 2023
Time and again we have allowed the sub culture of institutionalized terrorism to hold sway and that must stop.
The IGP and the Police Council must cease this habit of predictable brutalities and unlawful arrests. It is burning up the very fabric of our democratic credentials.
— Francis Abban (@francis_abban) September 21, 2023
This is Dr. Dampara as the IGP, now imagine it was the other one in charge!
COP AM.
Resign Mr. Akufo-Addo.
Bridget Otoo stay safe out there.#OccupyJulorbiHouse #ghana #corruptionaffectsyoudirectly pic.twitter.com/Ykgj2rAjhG
— Edward Ken-Zorre (@edward_ken16) September 21, 2023
The tragedy of this situation is that junior officers enforcing these arbitrary rules share more in common with the suffering general population than with the IGP and senior officers. https://t.co/vuqJzAE9qJ
— Nana Ama Agyemang Asante (@JustNanaAma) September 21, 2023
Of all days, it’s today you choose to display your ignorance?
Which Police officer is “ab3vv” the IGP? https://t.co/YFUtFQLNVZ pic.twitter.com/zMJ94aMgad— Karamazov! (@01aklama) September 21, 2023
The IGP has become a target of the opposition party, and they want to bring him down in the heat of the leak tape by calculations to demonstrate at a security zones, so that he is removed from office, and he is showing them that they have bitten more than they can chew. pic.twitter.com/i6BEi6uFSb
— ODEHYEKOJO. (@KojoTrustWorthy) September 21, 2023
