The highly anticipated #OccupyBoG demonstration fell short of its objective as the much-touted resignation petition that formed the basis for the march was not presented to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addision, as expected.
The protest, which had garnered significant attention in recent days ended up being an exercise in futility. Upon the arrival of the protest leaders, they were met by Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng, Director of Security at BoG and several members of the Bank’s leadership.
It was revealed that Governor Addison was engaged in a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and, therefore, was unavailable to receive the petition.
The Minority Leader, in response, expressed his dissatisfaction with this development, characterizing it as disrespectful. He criticized the absence of both the Governor and the deputy governors, emphasizing that the demonstration had never intended to hand the petition to security personnel.
“It is very disrespectful not to receive the petition himself. Not even the deputy is here, and we never said we were going to present our petition to security, and we would not give you the petition,” Mr. Forson voiced his disappointment. Despite the setback, the minority leader pledged to return at a later time when the governor could personally receive the petition. It remains to be seen how this protest will unfold in the coming days and whether it will achieve its desired outcome.
Earlier at the Obra Spot where the marchers convened Dr. Ato Forson, speaking on behalf of the protesters at the Obra Spot, highlighted their ongoing concerns regarding the unclear boundaries of the security zone designated by the police. Despite their request for the police to clarify the limits of the security zone, no information has been provided thus far.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the protesters are committed to peacefully demonstrating and are willing to cooperate with the authorities. They have expressed their intention to make a U-turn at either the beginning or end of the security zone, pending the police’s guidance.
However, since the police have not communicated the exact boundaries of the security zone, the protesters have taken a firm stance. They intend to march alongside the demonstrators and ultimately conclude their protest at either the starting or ending point of the security zone. At this juncture, the leadership of the NDC Minority expects to be granted access to the Central Bank to deliver their petition.
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