“Occupy and Cleanse the Crime Scene”: Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights Demands Police Reform

The Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights, a coalition of concerned citizens and civil society organizations, held a press conference today to announce their upcoming protest, themed “Occupy and Cleanse the Crime Scene.” The demonstration, scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, 2024, aims to address the systemic failures within the Ghana Police Service and demand comprehensive reforms.

William Kofi Yirenkyi, convener of the Alliance, presented a damning indictment of the Ghana Police Service, citing reports from international organizations such as Afrobarometer, the U.S. Department of State, and Transparency International. These reports highlight issues of corruption, impunity, and human rights abuses within the police force, eroding public trust and undermining Ghana’s democratic credentials.

The Alliance demands:

1. The dismissal of senior police officials for misconduct and failure to act on criminal complaints.
2. The release of critical information withheld by the Inspector General of Police.
3. The resignation of the Inspector General of Police if reforms are not initiated within 7 days.
4. Comprehensive reforms to improve professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the Ghana Police Service.
5. Increased public awareness of systemic issues and the importance of holding police officers accountable.
6. An end to the culture of impunity that allows police officers to act without fear of consequences.

The protest seeks to educate citizens about their rights and the importance of demanding justice and accountability. The Alliance invites all Ghanaians, civil society organizations, and members of the international community to join them on September 11, 2024, to demand a fairer, more just Ghana.