Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, Chief Executive of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has lauded the Ghana Police Service for their remarkable professionalism and tolerance in handling the ‘Democracy Hub’ demonstrators.

He gave the commendation after videos surfaced showing protesters provoking the police and engaging in various violations during a demonstration at the 37 Intersection in Accra.

Speaking in an interview with Pulse Ghana, Mr. Ofosu Nkansah highlighted the commendable conduct of the Police, particularly under the leadership of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as the Inspector General of Police. He noted that the calm and mature response by the Police reflected the professionalism often seen in advanced democracies.

“We all saw that in the face of provocation. Our Police remained calm and professional. This is a complete departure from previous governments where citizens exercising their rights were assaulted by the Police. I commend the leadership of the Police Service, and urge them to continue making Ghana proud among the committee of nations,” Mr. Ofosu Nkansah remarked.

The protest, which took place on Sunday, September 22, led to violent confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers, culminating in the arrest of 42 protesters, including some of the event’s organisers. Footage from the scene captured protesters engaging in physical altercations with police, pushing down barricades, and attacking officers who were trying to prevent the demonstrators from gathering at the busy intersection.

On the first day of the protest, September 21, demonstrators blocked all directions at the 37 Intersection with vehicles and stones, set fires, and harassed other road users. Some even took to playing football in the middle of the road, adding to the disruption. The police later described the demonstrators’ actions as “UnGhanaian, uncivil, and unlawful.”

In a statement, the Ghana Police Service highlighted the severe inconvenience caused to the public, including commuters being stuck in traffic for hours, delays in medical care for those who needed urgent treatment, and disruptions to cultural and social activities such as funerals. The protests also affected commercial activities, with people missing flights and being unable to access their businesses.

The Police had warned the protest organisers in advance, offering seven alternative locations for the protest and promising to provide security if they adhered to the suggested venues. However, demonstrators insisted on gathering at the 37 Intersection, leading to a violent confrontation with law enforcement.

One of the conveners of the protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, was seen in multiple videos pushing down police barricades and removing the key from a police vehicle, which he later discarded. Though officers attempted to arrest him, Barker-Vormawor managed to flee the scene. He has since been declared wanted by the police.

Mr. Ofosu Nkansah commended the police for maintaining their composure throughout the ordeal, calling their conduct a positive reflection of Ghana’s democratic credentials. He urged the Police Service to continue upholding the law in a manner that promotes peace and national unity.