The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has officially addressed the alleged police brutality that took place during the “Occupy Julorbi House” demonstration on Thursday, 21 September 2023. 

The President of the GBA, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, during a press conference held on Wednesday, 18 October 2023, provided insights into the situation and called for responsible demonstrations in the country.

The GBA had initially exercised caution in commenting on the matter, citing the need for factual verification. Subsequently, the GBA leadership engaged with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the leadership of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday, 26 September 2023. 

They also met with a representative of the demonstration's leadership and a lawyer who had experienced police mistreatment during the event.

During this engagement, the GBA President acknowledged the police's apology to the lawyer, Richmond Rockson, who had identified himself using his GBA biometric ID card. The GBA President stressed the importance of the police refraining from interfering with lawyers' lawful duties when offering legal services at police stations.

In addition to addressing the specific incident, the GBA President discussed the broader issue of demonstrations and processions in Ghana. He highlighted the constitutional right to freedom of assembly, which includes the right to participate in processions and demonstrations. 

However, the GBA President stressed the importance of responsible conduct, civility, and respect for the rights and freedoms of others, as well as the public interest.

The GBA President put forward several recommendations for the responsible exercise of the right to freedom of assembly. These included having identifiable organisers, submitting written petitions, agreeing on routes for demonstrations, avoiding selective application of laws, respecting the role of the police in maintaining law and order, initiating a national dialogue on security zones, and avoiding derogatory themes for demonstrations.

In conclusion, the GBA President called on citizens, political parties, and activists to exercise their rights responsibly and to engage in peaceful demonstrations that foster dialogue and respect for the law. 

He also stressed the GBA’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals in the country.