The Ghana Police Service has issued response to social media criticism regarding the alleged arrest of a pregnant woman and a child during the Democracy Hub demonstration.
Social media reports had widely claimed that a 12-year-old child and a 68-year-old woman were among those detained during the protest at the 37 Intersection in Accra, sparking public outrage. The Police, however, have strongly refuted these claims.
In a press release, the Police stated, “We would like to categorically state that all these are false. We, therefore, urge the public to disregard these reports and treat them with the contempt they deserve.”
The Police clarified that during the arrest of one suspect, Grace Asantewaa, a 50-year-old woman, who had a child with her. To prevent separating the child from the woman, the Police allowed the child to accompany Asantewaa to the Police station.
The statement added that the Police provided food for the child, and “for the sake of the child, her guardian, Grace Asantewaa, was granted a Police enquiry bail and allowed to go home with the child.” Asantewaa has since been charged with “exposing a child to danger” under section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), for bringing the child to the demonstration grounds.
The release also addressed the allegations regarding the arrest of a pregnant woman, stating that the suspect, identified as Gloria Vera Louise, “showed no visible indication that she was pregnant” at the time of her arrest. Furthermore, the statement noted, “At no point during the arrest or subsequent interactions did the said suspect inform the Police of a pregnancy.”
To dispel the rumors, the Police took the initiative to have Louise examined at both the Police Hospital and an independent medical facility. “Both medical results came out negative, suggesting that Gloria Vera Louise is not pregnant as claimed,” the release stated.
In response to concerns about detaining individuals beyond the legal limit, the Police indicated that the Police Professional Standards Bureau has been tasked with investigating the matter, promising disciplinary action where necessary.
The statement concluded by advising the public to avoid involving children in situations that could expose them to danger, underscoring the Police’s commitment to maintaining peace and safety during protests.
The Police reiterated their stance, affirming, “We remain committed to nurturing our growing democratic freedoms by providing the necessary security for individuals and groups to exercise their constitutional right to protest safely and peacefully in accordance with the laws governing protests in our beloved country.”
