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A protest organized by the La Coalition turned chaotic on Tuesday, July 30, as demonstrators clashed with police over the agreed protest route. The demonstration aimed to address allegations of unethical land seizures by political figures in the Greater Accra Region.
Participants, including various unions and associations within the La Traditional Area, called for the return of state lands they claim are being unfairly distributed among politicians. Their primary concerns involve the Trade Fair land, which includes areas occupied by Labadi Beach and La Palm Royal Beach Hotels, with accusations that the original landowners have not received the required legal compensation.
The group also highlighted issues with the Prisons Service lands at Cantonments, where a private developer plans to redevelop the facilities and use part of the land for private business ventures.
Tensions rose when police stated they could not ensure the safety of protesters if they marched to Kpletso, near Burma Camp. This led to a heated exchange with the Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arhin.
The lead convenor of the protest refuted claims that the demonstrators intended to march to Kpletso, asserting, “We are not going to the Kpletso land; the police are behaving like cowards. They don’t want to encounter the military.” He clarified that the protesters planned to proceed to Christ the King to meet a government representative and present their petition.
The convenor also criticized the police for initially refusing to provide security for the protest, forcing the organizers to arrange their own. He emphasized that the demonstrators are law-abiding citizens prepared to take responsibility for any incidents that might occur.
“We are not people who run away from anything. The commander knows me, and I’m not somebody who is running away. Come for me if you think we’ve done something untoward. But don’t try to suppress us,” he declared.
