We don’t owe demonstrating law students any apology – Ghana Police

The Greater Accra Police Command has justified the “minimum” force used to disperse demonstrating  law students on Monday.

Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Greater Accra Police Command, Inspector Kwabena Danso, said using water cannons became necessary when the students tried to override the security personnel.

Some applicants, who failed the entrance exam to the Ghana Law School, embarked on a peaceful demonstration to draw the attention of the President and Chief Justice to the need to reform legal education.

The demonstrating students were denied access to the Jubilee House by the  police. Angered by the conduct of the police, the students sat in the middle of the road and vowed not to move until they are allowed entry.

Dispersing the demonstrators, the police sprayed hot water on the students and  arrested 13 of them.

The act by the security agency has been condemned by lots  of people, with many demanding unqualified apology.

Responding to calls for an apology from the police, Inspector Danso said, the police owe no one an apology for executing their lawful duty.

He explained that, they had to use riot control equipment when the law school applicants started pelting the police with stones and other offensive weapons.

“We used riot control equipment like water cannons, batons and shields, and rubber bullets. We used what we thought was appropriate,” he said.

Inspector Danso  said, he expected the law school applicants to have known better and complied with the law.

He said Ghanaians have the right to demonstrate, but they must do so in accordance with the law.