The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says the brutalities meted out to arrested #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters is regrettable and a massive backward step for the country’s democracy.

The Police say they arrested 49 protesters early in the day at the 37 trotro station and bussed them to the Accra Regional Police Command where they are currently being held in custody.

There have been reports of assault on some protesters while others have had their mobile phones taken from them.

The protesters had assembled to protest the high cost of living, high levels of corruption, and misgovernance in the country.

In a statement registering their displeasure with the turn of events, the NDC said it is "saddened by such crude tactics being deployed by the Police at a time when the IGP is being applauded for making efforts toward transforming the Ghana Police Service into the best institution in the country.

“This shameful show of brute force runs counter to that. It’s regrettable the police would think that violence and suppression of human rights is the best way to address issues. After 31 years of our democratic journey, it is a crying shame that we cannot find more peaceful ways to address these issues. This is a massive step backward for our democracy.”

They called on the police to use professional means to handle the issue and to release the arrested protesters forthwith.

“In the spirit of solidarity, we extend empathy to protesters who have been injured and/or detained by the police,” they added.

They further called on “all progressive forces to join the NDC to provide legal and other support to assist all the protesters who have been arrested or injured by the police.”