Leaders of a planned “armed” demonstration must be criticized; protestors’ use of guns is unacceptable – Ablakwa

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Violence and the use of guns by demonstrators, according to North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, are unacceptable in any democratic country, including Ghana.

To that end, he stated, the organizers of the armed protest on June 4 must be held accountable for considering this “disastrous route — they must stop it or be stopped!”

“In any democratic society, violence and the use of firearms by demonstrators are not acceptable.” Leaders of the June 4 protest must be held accountable for considering such a dangerous course — they must either stop or be stopped!” Mr. Ablakwa sent out a tweet.

The Accra Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service declined a request from some persons including broadcaster Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, and #FixTheCountry convener Oliver Barker-Vormawor to demonstrate.

The Police said the nature and character of the demonstration as intended, is inconsistent with with the Public Order Act hence the decision to stop it.

The demonstration would have taken three days and allowed the leaders to address the nation on GTV.

“The Accra Police Regional Command on Sunday May 29 2022 received a notice of intention to embark on a demonstration by a group of persons : Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, Captain Godsbrain, Benjamin Darko, Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

“The service is of the view that the nature and character of the demonstration as intended, is inconsistent with with the Public Order Act,” the Police said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Captain Smart has cleared the air that although he is a convener for #FixTheCountry, he never signed the infamous letter which was responded to by the police.

A letter believed to be from the conveners and addressed to the Accra Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service has been spotted on social media with its content stirring mixed reaction.

Excerpts from the letter spoke about a demonstration planned to take place on Saturday, June 4 to register their displeasure to the authorities in the country.

The letter asked for permission and security from the Ghana police and stated intentions to demonstrate with weapons if the security force refuses to grant them permission.

Speaking on the 3FM Drive with Giovani on Wednesday, June 1, Captain Smart said he knows nothing about the letter and his lawyers are currently writing to address the trending issue.

He cleared that he does not support violence and will never approve a rebellious demonstration.

“Why will I support the use of weapons to demonstrate when I want the country to be fixed? If they use violence and destroy the country, what will be left to be fixed?” Captain Smart questioned.