A dispute has arisen between the police and the organisers of the La Coalition demonstration over the designated protest route.
Kicking off on Tuesday, July 30, the protest aims to spotlight what participants claim is the unethical seizure of land by political figures in the Greater Accra Region.
Tensions flared during the protest when disagreements emerged over the march route. The police indicated they could not ensure the safety of protesters if they proceeded to Kpletso, near Burma Camp.
The protest leaders are locked in a heated dispute with Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arhin, over the proposed route.
The lead organiser, speaking to Channel One News, refuted allegations that the protesters planned to go to Kpletso, asserting, “We are not going to the Kpletso land; the police are behaving like cowards. They don’t want to encounter the military.”
The protesters instead intend to proceed to Christ the King to meet a government representative and present their petition.
Tetteh, a key figure in the protest, disclosed that the police had initially refused to provide security for the demonstration, compelling the organisers to arrange their own security measures.
He stressed that the protesters are committed to adhering to the law and are prepared to take responsibility for any issues that may arise.
“We are not people who run away from anything. The commander knows me, and I’m not somebody who is running away. Come for me if you think we’ve done something untoward. But don’t try to suppress us,” Tetteh declared.
The demonstrators, comprising various unions and associations from the La Traditional Area, are demanding the return of state lands they allege are being unfairly distributed among political elites. They are particularly concerned with the Trade Fair land, which includes properties like Labadi Beach and La Palm Royal Beach Hotels, claiming that the original landowners have not been compensated as required by law.
Additionally, the group is raising issues about the Prisons Service lands in Cantonments, where a private developer is set to redevelop the area and use part of the land for private ventures.
