FixTheCountry: Protesters would be protected – New IGP assures

The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has pledged to provide maximum security during the #FixTheCountry protest slated for Wednesday, August 4.

The Acting IGP, who took office on August 1, said the protesters will be entirely be shepherded by the police.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Economic Fighters League after a tête-à-tête meeting between the conveners of the #FixTheCountry protest and the IGP.

Fighter-General, Hardi Yakubu, in the statement further revealed that Dr Dampare is poised to ensure a peaceful and impactful demonstration.“We were also assured by the Police that water cannons will not be let loose on protesters and would only be deployed as a precaution, measure. Again, we enquired as to if there was any information about a counter-protest? They said no. They also assured us their preparedness to protect the protesters against any infiltrates,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the conveners pledged to ensure that all protestors adhere to all the Covid-19 safety protocols.

Mr Yakubu said they have recruited and trained marshals who will be assigned to liaise with the police on anything and to guide the crowd.

“On Covid-19 protocols, the marshals will be in charge of making sure everybody wears their masks and maintaining distance.

“All is clear for the first #FixTheCountry demonstration. See you all there,” he urged.

In the last few months, Ghanaian youth have taken to social media to demand accountability, good governance, and better living conditions from government.

FixTheCountry advocacy which began in May has garnered huge support since campaigners, largely the youth, have been highlighting some of the inadequacies in the country.

Government in its response to the aggrieved youth outlined initiatives it has implemented including the Nation Builders’ Corp (NABCO), National Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP) to build the human capital in the country.

But the protestors say the impact of these initiatives has not been felt on the ground.

Attempts by the campaigners to embark on a street protest have been foiled by the police through a court action but the campaign continued unabated online.

Subsequently, the court dismissed the injunction explaining that the application is moot because, May 9, the date for the protest, which the police did not agree to, has long elapsed.

The Conveners of the campaign then finalised details and scheduled the first protest march for August 4, 2021. 

Source: MyJoyOnline.com