Police Disrupt ‘Hands-Off Our Hotels’ Protest, Activists Injured

In a disturbing turn of events, some demonstrators advocating against the government’s decision to sell six state-owned hotels to Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, were met with brutality from the police.

The incident took place as protesters marched towards the Jubilee House to deliver a petition on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Witnesses reported that the police resorted to pepper spray and tear gas, injuring several individuals during the demonstration near the Jubilee House.

Among the injured, four required immediate medical attention following the police’s aggressive response.

The altercation unfolded at the Christ The King Church, where the police attempted to block the advancing protestors. In response, some demonstrators allegedly threw sachet water prompting the police to escalate their tactics with pepper spray and tear gas.

Notable figures, including Bernard Mornah, a former National Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC) party, voiced their concerns over the excessive use of force by law enforcement.

Mornah criticized the police actions, questioning the need to disrupt a peaceful protest and calling for accountability within the Ghana Police Service.

Following the confrontation, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, managed to deliver the group’s petition to the Jubilee House.

The petition demanded an immediate halt to the sale of the six hotels, including prominent properties like Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Busua Beach Resort, which are sought after by Rock City Hotel owned by Bryan Acheampong.

Prior to the protest, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) had urged the government to reconsider the sale, but the Akufo-Addo administration remained obstinate in its decision.

In a display of solidarity, the TUC and other prominent Ghanaians, including Citizen Kofi, rallied behind the protest, condemning the government’s stance on the hotel transaction.