Police deny Young patriots permission to demonstrate

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has denied pro-NPP youth group, the Young Patriots permission to demonstrate on Tuesday January 8.

The group earlier declared its intention to demonstrate against what it described as a stolen verdict of the 2012 elections in tandem with the NPP’s petition in Court.

After meeting with the Greater Accra Regional Police Command on Friday, the Young Patriots had their plans shattered.

But the group insists nothing will stop its members from going ahead with the demonstration.

Chairman for the Young Patriots, Richard Nyamah in an interview indicated, “We will defy the police order and go ahead with the demonstration since we have the right to do so with or without police protection.”

Richard Nyamah fumed, “ We wish to state unequivocally that the demonstration will come on as stated on 8th January because the excuse given by the police is untenable and not convincing enough for us to change the date of our demonstration.”

He explained the police position, “The police in their argument pointed to a publication by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on Saturday, December 15, 2012 in the Ghanaian Times newspaper to the effect that AMA has banned all unauthorized use of public parks; we were therefore instructed to seek permission from the AMA to be able to use Obra spot and any other public space.” “The police further stated that they are unable to approve the 8th January date because they would have just finished with the swearing in activities of the President,” he added.

Despite this, Richard Nyamah invited well meaning Ghanaians to come out in their numbers and join the demonstration saying, “The Young Patriots are using this opportunity to inform our teeming supporters to prepare and gather at the Obra spot by 7am on Tuesday 8th January.” The Dress code is red or black and the programme will end at the Hearst of Oak Park where leading members and notable members of the public will address the gathering and petitions will then be sent to foreign missions and donor partners.”