Following an initial notification to the Ghana Police Service on May 9, 2024, which was reported by The Accra Times regarding a planned picket at the Revolution Square which is opposite the Jubilee House.
The #DumsorMustStop conveners concluded a meeting with the Greater Accra Regional Police Command at the Regional Police Headquarters on May 16, 2024, and have been redirected to hold their vigil at Independence Square instead, citing security concerns as the reason for the venue change.
The group is led by Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson with the focus on voicing out their displeasure through protests to end the rampant power challenges in Ghana called “DumSor meaning On and Of
A letter dated May 15, 2024, available to The Accra Times reveals the Ghana Police directing the conveners of the protest to consider using an alternative route for the protest, citing security reasons pertaining to their intended route.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for more news
“Following our engagement with you at the Regional Police Headquarters, Accra today, Wednesday 15/05/2024 regarding the notification of a public protest scheduled for Saturday 25th May 2024, the Command states as follows: That the Jubilee House which is directly opposite the Revolution Square is the seat of Government and therefore a security zone, thus the protest and picket at Revolution Square may endanger public defence, public order, public violate the rights and freedom of other persons,” portions of the letter read.
Also, according to the letter, closing the vigil at midnight poses a security risk and may lead to violence.
“That the proposed time of 12 midnight for closure may compromise security which may lead to violence, endanger public defence, public order, public safety, public health and the running of essential services. Therefore, in the interest of Public Order, Public Safety and the Running of Essential Services, the Command requests you to relocate the destination for the picketing to the Independence Square,” the Police said.
The Police assured the convenors of their ongoing assistance, as long as it fell within the bounds of their duties and responsibilities.
“The Command assures you of its continuous commitment to maintain law and order for the intended public protest within the mandate of the Ghana Police Service” the letter concluded.
Eight years ago, under the National Democratic Congress administration, the #DUMSOR organizers, organized a vigil to protest the frequent power outages, known as “DumSor” (Off and On).
Eight years on, the same power outages have resurfaced under the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) administration and in response, the group have been compelled to reorganize the vigil, scheduled for May 25, 2024, to protest again and advocate for a solution to this recurring problem.
Ghana often faces power issues due to the huge debt owed by the Government of Ghana to the Independent Power Producers (IPP) of Ghana.
