Protesters Injured as Police use Pepper spray, Tear gas at  ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ Demo

Tensions ran high at the ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ demonstration in Accra  as police officers used pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the protesters, leaving several individuals injured.

The peaceful protest, which aimed to urge the government to halt the sale of state-owned hotels to Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, turned chaotic when police used force to resist the crowd.

According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when demonstrators refused to heed warnings from the police to disperse and instead attempted to push past them.

In response, officers deployed pepper spray, causing several protesters to receive first aid treatment from the ambulance service. Tear gas was also used at one point to disperse the growing crowd.

Former National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, was vocal in his criticism of the police’s conduct.

Also read; We support ‘hands off our hotels’ demonstration – Minority

“Why were the police throwing tear gas at this time? Why did they want to scatter a peaceful protest that had come to a climax as if they planned to do this?” he asked. Mornah added that “the IGP must wake up from his slumber” and that “that unprofessionalism by the Ghana Police must cease.”

The demonstration, which drew support from civil society organizations, concerned citizens, and opposition political groups, sought to raise awareness about the alleged abuse of power by government officials in the sale of state-owned properties.

The petition, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, demands that the government halt the sale of Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Busua Beach Resort to Rock City Hotel, owned by Minister Bryan Acheampong.

Ahead of the protest, the Ghana Police Service had assured the public of its readiness to provide adequate security to ensure a peaceful and orderly demonstration. However, yesterday’s events suggest that the promise fell short.

The ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ movement has gained momentum in recent weeks, with many Ghanaians expressing their discontent over what they perceive as an unethical and potentially damaging transaction.

As the debate continues to rage on, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the protesters’ demands or continue down a path that many believe is fraught with corruption and abuse of power.

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