Police deny coercion claims in Democracy Hub protest re-enactment

The Ghana Police Service has refuted claims that individuals on trial for their involvement in the Democracy Hub protest were coerced into re-enacting the demonstration at the 37 Intersection.
In a statement signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs, the Service maintained that all investigative processes were carried out lawfully and without any form of coercion.
According to the police, crime scene reconstructions are standard investigative procedures used by law enforcement agencies worldwide, and these methods have been employed by the Ghana Police Service for many years.
ACP Ansah-Akrofi explained that the officers conducting the re-enactment were part of the investigative team from the beginning of the case and were not unfamiliar to the accused.
The statement also addressed the legal rights of the accused, clarifying that they were informed of their right to legal representation during the crime scene reconstruction.
Some of the accused opted to participate without their lawyers, while others insisted on having their legal counsel present, with their re-enactment process still pending.
Furthermore, the police denied allegations that individuals were coerced or threatened to participate in the re-enactment, labeling such claims as false.
They also dismissed reports of a 12-year-old child and a pregnant woman being arrested during the protest, describing these as part of a broader effort to create discontent towards the police force.
“We see this one as one such attempt, and we urge the public to disregard it,” the statement concluded, calling for calm and cooperation as the investigation continues.