Four arrested for leading anti-Accra  Mayor protest

The Police have arrested four people who led a protest at Jamestown in Accra on Saturday, September 18, 2021.

They have been identified as Salaami Abubakar, 36; Daniel Opare Oman, 43; Edward Holm, 38 and Daniel Clottey 41.

The protest was in response to the alleged removal of the Accra Mayor, Mohammed Nii Adjei Sowah. He is reported to be replaced by Madam Margaret's Sackey, a former Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister.

The suspects, described by police as “ringleaders” led some aggrieved persons to block roads and burned car tires at Jamestown, causing “a sense of fear and disorder”.

“The Police Administration strongly cautions any individual or group of persons who intend to unlawfully assemble and cause mayhem over the publication of the prospective MMDCE’s list or any other matter, to immediately abandon such plans or face the law”, the police said in its statement.

The acting Metropolitan Chief Executive of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, has condemned a demonstration in the Odododiodoo constituency.

He has since disassociated himself from the incident and urged his supporters to respect the decision of President Akufo-Addo in the nomination of MMDCEs.

In a statement, he declared his support for all of the President’s purported nominations and pledged to work towards the development of the country.

“We should recognize the President’s authority to nominate individuals of his choice to promote his agenda and it’s our duty to support the appointees to succeed… I totally support all the President’s nominations and commit to continue to work towards the development of the country,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo, through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, is expected to announce the list of representatives at the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

But there is simmering tension in parts of the country even before the lists are mentioned.

The police statement signed by the Acting Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, ASP Kwasi Ofori is however urging “everyone to use due process to convey their grievances”.

Freeman Kroyekpor, Accra