Ghanaian Celebrities Unite: Voices Against Police Arrests and Brutality at #OccupyJulorbiHouseDemo
In a remarkable show of unity and solidarity, some of Ghana’s most prominent celebrities have taken to Twitter to condemn recent police arrests and reports of brutality against protestors at the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, which unfolded on September 21, 2023.
Prominent figures like Sarkodie, Wendy Shay, Black Sherif, Kofi Kinaata, Kwesi Arthur, Medikal, Stonebwoy, Mr. Drew, and others have leveraged their influence to shine a spotlight on this situation and demand justice.
The Unfolding Situation
Earlier this week, Ghanaian police apprehended 49 individuals linked to an unlawful assembly and a violation of the Public Order Act. These arrests transpired in the vicinity of the Jubilee House and the 37 Military Hospital area.
The Ghanaian Police issued a statement clarifying that the arrests stemmed from the Democracy Hub group’s disregard for a court order that aimed to prevent them from staging a planned demonstration near the Jubilee House from September 21st to September 23rd, 2023.
The police emphasized that their contention with the organizers primarily revolved around the chosen venue, as the Jubilee House is a designated security zone. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring security during demonstrations but urged the public to disregard any call to participate in unlawful protests until the court reaches a verdict on September 26, 2023.
A Groundswell of Concern
The arrests and reports of brutality against protestors have ignited a firestorm on social media, with numerous Ghanaians expressing their dismay at the handling of the situation by the authorities.
Notably, Ghanaian celebrities have entered the fray, utilizing their influential platforms to amplify the voices of those demanding justice.
Sarkodie, a leading figure in Ghana’s music scene, tweeted, “You can only be scared of a peaceful protest when you know you deserve otherwise…” His statement underscores the importance of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Black Sherif added, “So if they give all this money to them, where do they spend it? Hand on my heart, I tell you there’s no evidence for all the money these people borrow in our name. And if the people, whose struggles you document to ask for money, want accountability, you send the police to beat them? Lord knows this battle is ours. You’ll hear it.”
Wendy Shay, another popular Ghanaian singer, expressed her sorrow over the situation, saying, “Oh, so this is what is happening? I have been advocating for a wake-up call since I returned to Ghana. It is sad to see this happen, especially on a day like this. I am a victim of bad roads, and if it weren’t for God, the story would have been different. LET THE PEOPLE GO #Ghanawakeup #LetthepeopleGo #OccupyJulorbiHouse.”
A Resounding Call for Justice
These tweets from Ghana’s beloved celebrities mirror the growing concern for justice, accountability, and the protection of the right to peaceful protest within the country. Their voices resonate with countless Ghanaians who are demanding a just resolution to the current situation and a steadfast commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights in the nation.
