Third anti-ROPAL demonstration takes off

Accra, March 16, GNA - The third demonstration against the Representation of the People Amendment Law (ROPAL), which gives power to Ghanaians resident outside to vote in their countries of abode, began from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra on Thursday under heavy police guard.

About 1,500 Police Officers deployed from Accra and the regions are on duty to ensure that the march goes on peacefully. The demonstration, which is being organised under the umbrella group called Concerned Ghanaians, is demanding the repeal of the Law which was passed by Parliament after the Minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) had boycotted sittings. The first two demonstrations were held when the Bill had not been passed by Parliament. Among Leaders when the march started on Thursday were Dr Kwabena Adjei, National Chairman of the NDC and Mr Benard Mornah, Youth Organiser of the People's National Convention. The Police are ensuring that no road is blocked during the march. Half the roads are open to traffic while the marchers are using the other half.

The marchers would go through Farisco Junction, Kojo Thompson Road Traffic Lights, TUC Traffic Lights, National Theatre Traffic Lights, Ministries Traffic Lights, High Street/Heart Park; High Street/Bank of Ghana, Usher Fort, Customs/Light House and end at Mantse Agbona Park. The Police have expressed the hope that all genuine demonstrators would strictly adhere to the agreed routes and that no attempt would be made by anyone with ulterior motives to stray away from the main body. The Police advised against attempts to unduly provoke their officers or innocent bystanders, or other acts such as carrying of arms or offensive weapons; looting of shops along the road, throwing of firecrackers and burning of tyres during the demonstration. "We will, therefore, not allow any saboteur or dissident to disturb the peace and genuine intentions of the organizers", the police said.