The Ghana Police Service has issued a statement distancing itself from a truck involved in an accident in Nkonsa, located in the Ashanti Region. This clarification comes after a video of the incident went viral on social media, showing the truck displaying police stickers. The police emphasized that preliminary investigations have confirmed the truck, with registration number ER 765 – 17, is not owned by the service but is instead registered to Road Safety Management Services Ltd.
The police noted that they are currently investigating the incident further to establish the facts surrounding the accident. This response aims to quell any misconceptions that the truck is affiliated with the Ghana Police Service, as rumors had circulated widely online.
In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has been providing security for a three-day protest in Accra organized by the group Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey. The protest began on Thursday, October 3, and will conclude on Saturday, October 5. This event aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to put an end to illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.” The practice has caused severe environmental damage, impacting Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests.
The protest is motivated by increasing concerns regarding the environmental and health repercussions of galamsey, which include the contamination of water sources with harmful metals. These issues have led to significant public health challenges, including birth defects, and have complicated the Ghana Water Company’s ability to deliver clean water to communities.
The police have communicated the official routes for the protest, stating that participants will gather daily at Okponglo, close to the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, before marching to Independence Square. This route passes by several key locations, including the Electoral Commission Office, Ridge Hospital, and Parliament House, ultimately concluding at the Accra Sports Stadium car park.
Authorities have reminded the organizers of their responsibilities under the Public Order Act, which requires them to take necessary steps to ensure that public events are conducted safely and orderly. The police have warned participants to comply with their directions, as any disruptions could result in consequences.
This demonstration follows a violent clash that occurred during a recent protest by Democracy Hub, which led to the arrest of 54 individuals. Despite ongoing efforts from successive governments to address illegal mining, it remains a significant challenge for the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as the degradation of natural resources continues to pose serious threats to the environment and public health. The police have assured the public that they are prepared to maintain law and order during the protest while encouraging peaceful demonstrations as citizens exercise their right to express their concerns.
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