Protestors injured as police deploy pepper spray, tear gas at ‘Hand Off Our Hotels’ demo

Some protesters at the ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ demonstration have suffered various degrees of injury.

Four of them reportedly received first aid treatment from the ambulance service after police used pepper spray on them.

This incident occurred when demonstrators insisted on going beyond the agreed finishing point at Christ The King Church, close to the Jubilee House.

According to reports, when the police forcibly prevented the crowd from advancing, some of the protesters threw sachet water at them.

In the heat of the moment, some officers deployed pepper spray, leading to injuries among several individuals.

Tear gas was also employed at one point to disperse the growing crowd.

Former National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, criticised the police for their conduct.

“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 said.

He indicated that “The IGP must wake up from his slumber” adding that “that unprofessionalism by the Ghana Police must cease.”

Moments after that, some calm was restored as Mr Ablakwa gave a copy of the petition to a representative from the Jubilee House amidst heavy security.

The petition seeks to impress on government to halt the sale of some four hotels to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

The hotels in question include the Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Busua Beach Resort.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa argues that the sale of state-owned properties to government officials constitutes a clear abuse of power that should not be tolerated.

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.

The protest has garnered widespread support from various segments of society, including civil society organisations, concerned citizens, and opposition political groups, all united in their stance against what they perceive as an unethical and potentially damaging transaction.