The Ghana Police Service has arrested and detained William Yerenkyi, the founder and leader of the Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights (ARCR), over events linked to a planned protest against corruption and alleged misconduct by public institutions.
Mr. Yerenkyi was taken into custody on November 13, 2024, after being summoned to the Central Police Station in Accra.
According to ARCR Secretary Mubarak Ibrahim, the activist was called to collect a letter but was accused of threatening a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer during an altercation at the station.
Protest and Arrest Timeline
The ARCR had announced a five-day demonstration, Operation Crime Scene Invasion, from November 7-11, 2024, targeting alleged corruption, dereliction of duty, and selective enforcement of the Right to Information Act.
However, the Ghana Police Service filed a motion to prevent the protest, citing security concerns and its proximity to sensitive locations such as Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana’s presidency.
Despite the police’s actions, the ARCR’s leadership pressed on, engaging with authorities to modify their plans. On November 13, 2024, Yerenkyi visited the police station in compliance with a summons but was arrested following an altercation with the CID officer.
“They claimed he came to the station to harm the officer, even though he was unarmed,” Mubarak Ibrahim stated. “This is just another tactic to intimidate us and derail our cause.”
Police Allegations and Court Actions
The Ghana Police Service has alleged that Yerenkyi’s actions at the station constituted a threat to the CID officer’s life. Additionally, in court filings to block the demonstration, the police argued that the protest posed a risk to public safety and would strain resources during the National Farmer’s Day celebrations.
Chief Inspector Richard Asamoah, representing the police, argued that the demonstration’s proposed route—including stops at the Right to Information Commission Headquarters and National Police Headquarters—passed through high-security zones, further justifying its prohibition under the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).
The High Court in Accra is expected to rule on the matter soon.
ARCR’s Response
The ARCR maintains that their planned demonstration is lawful and necessary to expose systemic corruption and advocate for justice. They criticized the police’s actions, stating they undermine democratic freedoms.
“Our demonstration seeks to highlight the lack of accountability in institutions tasked with upholding the law,” Mubarak Ibrahim explained.
“We refuse to be silenced by intimidation or baseless accusations.”
Bail Granted
After 48 hours in custody, Yerenkyi was released on police inquiry bail. His lawyers have signaled their intention to challenge the accusations and seek redress for what they describe as wrongful detention.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between civil society groups and law enforcement in Ghana, particularly over the right to protest and freedom of expression.
Analysts suggest the outcome of this case could set a precedent for balancing security concerns with constitutional rights in future demonstrations.
The ARCR has vowed to continue its advocacy, with Yerenkyi declaring, “Our resolve to fight corruption and demand accountability remains unshaken.”
