Somehow it looks like all the stars are aligning to stop the #dumsormuststop demonstration, with obstacle after obstacle just popping out of nowhere.
The ones about venue are somewhat understandable, but this latest request from the Ga Traditional Council seems bizarre. According to myjoyonline, they have petitioned the Greater Accra Regional Police Command to halt the upcoming vigil.
The reason is that the vigil would not conform with the ban on drumming and noisemaking, which is implemented every year in anticipation of the Homowo festival.
From myjoyonline:
“Former MP, Nii Tackie Commey who speaks for the Ga Traditional Council told Joy News that although the Council recognizes the right of every individual to demonstrate, it would not entertain any activity that would upset the peace associated with the period on the ban on noisemaking.
The former MP said the essence of the ban was to “enable them [Ga people] confer with their maker” and feared the dumsor vigil “will not be on conformity with the ban
Nii Tackie Commey argued there is no guarantee that the unexpected could happen during the march.
He continued that although organisers of demonstrations and protests often pledge to be law- abiding, the opposite often happens.
“There should be total silence”, he insisted.
I find this strange because a vigil is not exactly your normal demonstration. By definition it is supposed to be more solemn. I also find it difficult to think the Police did not consider the ban before approving the demonstration.
Interestingly, in the press release announcing the vigil, the organisers specifically noted the ban that is in place and called for participants to be as peaceful as possible, and that the police would be on hand to apprehend those who flout the rules.
Whilst Ga Traditions and culture have to be respected, the rights of citizens to demonstrate must also be protected. And in this case I feel both can happen, without one party infringing on the rights of the other.
I find it deeply disturbing that one little demonstration to protest the biggest, most destructive and annoying problem facing Ghanaians now is facing so many challenges; it’s almost like we do not want it to happen.
The Police are yet to officially respond to the petition.
And this is why I feel like this vigil will not go anywhere. Are neither of the people who have blocked YN’s efforts not concerned? Or would they rather live in a society where light-offs are crippling businesses. Abaa, Ghanafou paa, Dum Sɔ fa obiara. Businesses 3 wu na w) fa hw3 na nkor)fo 3 wu so. Again, I apologise if I made some mistakes as I am still learning.
SABOTAGING paa nie. The police will be there to ensure there is no drumming and unnecessary noise making so what is the problem of the council? Ghana poolice please do not halt this campaign ooo.
Huh as if we didn’t see this one coming. No wonder Ghana is as bad as it is today. They should ban the use of generators as well cos that also make noise. Now NDC people, you’ve made it obvious that you are behind this. LMAO. YN you are already a hero,the Yaa Asantewaa of our time lol. Eish sake of small vigil k3k3 see them going cray cray. #dumsormuststop #bringbackourlight
)manb)fo)..