Thousands demonstrate peacefully in support of opposition

Accra (Greater Accra), 25th November 99- Activities around certain parts of Accra, especially the ministries, were temporarily halted as thousands of opposition party supporters marched to voice out their misgivings about the state of political and economic administration of the country.

Carrying placards that summed up their impressions about the state of affairs, the demonstrators conducted themselves in a manner that put away fears that things would turn violent. The strong police presence was rendered unnecessary as the demonstrators marched on peacefully amid the singing and chanting of patriotic songs.

The lead banner at the head of the demonstrators read: "Say no to presidential jet, say no to waste and corruption, say no to higher Vat Charges, say no to petroleum charges, say no to Pricewaterhouse, say no to higher academic user fee."

The rear banner read: "Say yes to accountability, say yes to better governance, say yes to probity."

Some of the placards read: "AFRC betrayed us." "J.J. Resign, J.J. We are dying," "J.J. We thank you for our hardship, "Garbrah, leave education alone," "No health user fee," "Touch one touch all," Ya bre, Ghanafo mon sore.

The Central Business District of Accra, which had been the scene of fatal confrontations during a similar protest some years ago, was avoided as the route mapped out for the demonstrators by the security agencies took them out of there.

Workers came out of their offices along the approved route, leading from Ring Road through Asylum Down, Cathedral Square, the TUC headquarters, Cedi House, National Theatre and the Ministries to the Accra Sports Stadium, to look and cheer the protestors on.

The united front of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the organising parties was obvious in the presence of Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, Dr Edward Mahama, and Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby Presidential candidate of the NPP, PNC and UGM Presidential candidates respectively, Mr. Goozie Tanoh, Spokesman of the National Reform Party, and Mr. Felix Amoah, Acting National Chairman of the CP, as well as some minority MPs.

Mr. Dan Botchwey, NPP General Secretary, did not hesitate to mention how peaceful the demonstration had been in spite of threats and fears expressed by the ruling NDC, commercial and traditional leaders.

"The NDC had tried to stop us through inflammatory statements and by placing soldiers at vantage points. The constitution on paper alone cannot work, it is actions like these which would make the constitution what it should be."

He said initially, the JAC did not agree with the routes dictated by the police "but if we don't co-operate and something happens the blame would be put on us."

Mr. Kwesi Pratt Jnr. of the CP said the JAC would continue to protest and put pressure on the government and parliament if nothing is done about their petition to parliament.

Mr. Mijie Barnor of the NRP said "the government is pursuing unsustainable economic policies, including the proposed increase in taxes, academic user fees and worker redeployment which would get worse if suggestions to the contrary by opposition parties are not heeded." He said the current economic pursuits of the government "would be acceptable to all only if there is a national rethink of the economic strategies."

For almost two hours, the crowd waited patiently, amid patriotic speeches and songs at the Osu end of the Accra Sports Stadium, while 15 members of the JAC went to present their petition to parliament.

Upon their return, they took turns to praise the police and the crowd for the mature manner in which they conducted themselves.