What’s Gov’t Afraid Of?; Ablakwa on Restriction From Flagstaff House
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has questioned the intention and motivation behind the government’s effort at warding people off the premises and precincts of the Flagstaff House which has been characterized as a security zone.
The lawmaker observes that the country, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is witnessing a trend which deprives protesters access to the premises of the seat of government which he deems undemocratic.
Falling on the liberty countries like the United States of America possess in picketing and protesting at the official residence and office of their Presidents, Ablakwa called for a retrospection by the Ghanaian government.
“This business of ‘citizens cannot go near the seat of government’ are we really a democracy? The White House on a daily basis has people demonstrating right in front of it. I’ve joined some before: anti-war protests, protests against abortions so what is this business that no one can go close to the seat of government?
“What really are they afraid of? What are they doing that makes them fear the citizens? The leadership should reflect on these things deeply.”
His concerns come after he was forced to change the ending point of his “Hands Off Our Hotels” demonstration which took place on June 18, 2024, in the Greater Accra Region from the premises of the Flagstaff House to the Christ the King Parish.
It wasn’t the first time this had happened, as all persons who decided on that had their protests either injuncted by the Police with the help of the court or forced to find another venue.
