THE Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC) of Kumasi has condemned what it describes as the emerging trend by some interest groups to make Kumasi the epicentre of demonstrations against national issues.
According to METSEC, the situation has the potential to disturb the peace and security of the metropolis if not checked.
A communiqué issued in Kumasi at the weekend after a meeting of the council, said the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Kumasi Traditional Council were equally not happy about the development, and were ready to support measures that would curb the distasteful development.
“METSEC has therefore, decided to institute stern measures to ensure that the peace and security of the metropolis are guaranteed,” the communiqué, signed by Metro Chief Executive, Samuel Sarpong said.
It indicated that the police had confirmed that sometimes, the demonstrators did not inform them about their intention to demonstrate as the law required.
Consequently, METSEC advised all persons or group of persons wishing to demonstrate or go on procession to first inform the police in accordance with the law.
“The police and other security agencies will leave no stone unturned if the law is breached, and would go ahead to prosecute the leaders of those who fall foul of the law,” the statement said.
It said within the last four months alone, there had been eight different groups staging protests in the metropolis to press home their demands for authorities to address their concerns.
“On June 1, 2010 a number of primary school pupils of Yaa Achiaa Primary School in Kumasi went on demonstration in protest against a development policy of the KMA.
“This unprecedented event was followed by an attempted public demonstration by a group calling itself Concerned Citizens of Asanteman in protest against a statement made by a journalist of Joy FM in Accra,” the statement said.
According to the council, it took great effort and time to get the organisers of the intended demonstration to rescind their decision.
Again, a group calling itself NDC foot soldiers, made a similar attempt to demonstrate to register their displeasure against certain issues.
The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) also chose Kumasi as the fertile ground to demonstrate against increase in utility tariffs.
It also mentioned the demonstration by prisons officers and junior nurses at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and said all these painted a very bad picture of Kumasi.
METSEC stated that those demonstrations were illegal groupings contrary to the nation’s security codes.
The security council appealed to the media to join the crusade to maintain the peace and security of the metropolis.
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