Democracy Hub, a civic advocacy group, has called on the Ghana Police Service to cease what it describes as the unjustified use of force against peaceful protestors.

The group’s concerns follow a series of confrontations with the police and demonstrators during the recent Democracy Hub protest in Accra, where participants alleged heavy-handed tactics by law enforcement officers.

In a statement issued on Sunday, September 22, the group accused the police of resorting to violence and intimidation to suppress their peaceful demonstration, which aimed to address pressing national issues such as economic hardship and corruption.

Democracy Hub noted that these actions not only infringe on citizens' rights to protest but also undermine the democratic principles the police are supposed to protect.

The group recounted several instances during the protest where police officers allegedly used tear gas, water cannons, and physical force to disperse protestors, some of whom were reportedly injured in the process.

They condemned the police’s approach, urging them to uphold the law by protecting citizens’ rights rather than stifling dissent through force.

Democracy Hub further called on the police to engage in constructive dialogue with protest organisers instead of escalating tensions.

They emphasised that peaceful demonstrations are a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution and that the state must ensure these rights are respected and upheld.

They called for the immediate cessation of the continuing use of unjustified force against protestors.

"We urge them to engage in constructive dialogue with protest leaders to ensure that the rights and safety of all demonstrators are protected," the press statement said.

Police have arrested a number of the protestors, and have declared a manhunt for one of the lead organisers, Oliver Barker-Vormawor.