NPP Hits Streets Over Dumsor

All roads lead to the Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, for the much-publicised demonstration against the energy crisis that has bedevilled the nation, despite last-minute attempts by the police to scuttle the programme.

Dubbed 'Won gbo' ('We are dying'), the demonstration, which is being organised by the largest opposition political party – the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – would see its presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, together with his running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, its Members of Parliament (MPs), leading members, supporters and Ghanaians who are suffering from the energy crisis and other hardships in attendance.

Reports indicated that the police tried to secure a court order (an ex-parte motion) yesterday to prevent the demonstration from coming on, having already given the party the green light to proceed with the protest march.

'The police went behind us to get a court injunction [to restrain us] but the court threw them out,' General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyepong, revealed this at a press conference in Accra yesterday, adding, 'I have in my possession court documents relating to the injunction application.'

But that notwithstanding, he said they were ready to demonstrate to show government how they are unhappy with the current energy situation in the country.

Present at the conference were Kofi Adda, former Energy Minister; Ursula Owusu Ekuful, MP for Ablekuma West; Nana Akomea, Director of Communications and John Boadu, National Organiser.

Other political parties, including the Convention People's Party (CPP), People's National Convention (PNC), National Democratic Party (NDP), a number of pressure groups such as the Concerned Ghanaians (CG), Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) and OccupyGhana, have all pledged support and willingness to participate in today's demonstration.

'Folks, it's now clear that Ghanaians are fed up with the political, social and economic mediocrity of the NDC/John Mahama regime. They have failed to solve the unprecedented power crisis in Ghana today - a clear mark of incompetence and ineptitude. Let's all join hands and participate in the 'WON GBO' Demo to send a signal to the NDC that Ghanaians are fed up,' Ernest Owusu Bempah, key figure of the NDP, said yesterday ahead of today's protest march.

Concerned Ghanaians has also planned a similar demonstration on the energy crisis against government on Independence Day, March 6, in spite of police resistance.

Even though the group had duly notified the police about the programme as required by law, the security agents said they would not be able to provide them with security on that day and threatened to get a court injunction to stop them if they insisted on going ahead.

But Concerned Ghanaians has promised to defy the police and proceed with the intended demonstration.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu