“Weapons” Peaceful Protestors of #OccupyJulorbiHouse Must Bring Announced

The organizers of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse which started on Thursday, 21st September 2023 have listed all “Weapons” Protestors Must Bring Along.

The “Weapons” are basic protective items needed by each demonstrator and the group as they commence the second day of demonstration and match to the Jubilee House.

The Ghana Police used the court to secure an injunction against the protest.

This led to the arrest of not less than 45 peaceful demonstrators by the police for what the police called an unlawful demonstration and assembly. Pictures and videos of the police brutalizing demonstrators have surfaced online.

Following the actions by the police on day one of the protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor the leader of the protest indicated that he did not know what the police would do today hence he had packed his jail pack

“I just set off from my house for day 2 of #OccupyJulorbiHouse We are meeting at 37 Trotro Station. I don’t know what the police plan to do. But I have packed my jail pack. 1 boxer shorts, 1 towel, 1 Dettol, 1 mosquito repellent. May posterity remember the price of their freedom!”

Many Ghanaians have condemned the action by the police. Celebrities have added their voice to the call and condemned the police for their actions.

The decision by the protestors to go ahead with the planned demonstration even after the police attempted to secure an injunction against it has been described as Positive defiance. Positive defiance is a term used to describe behaviour that goes against the status quo or authority but in a positive and constructive way. It is often used to describe people who are standing up for what they believe in, even if it is unpopular or difficult.

In a post sighted by Ghana Education News, the items demonstrators are to bring are #OccupyJulorbiHouse postest less than 24 hours to the start of the peaceful demonstration however, the demonstrators decided to go ahead with the protest.

1. Water (Bottled water)
2. Sports caps to help flush eyes if there is exposure to tear gas
3. Sunglasses
4. Mask
5. Hand sanitizer
6. Tissues
7. First aid kit
8. Snacks
9. Hat to protect from the sun and help cover your eyes
10. Any emergency medications, if you have a medical condition
11. Your ID Card (Eg. Ghana Card, Passport etc.

In additon to the above, the organizations have provided demonstrators with useful safety tips for the protestors on day two given how the police bahaved on day one.

The safety tips provided protestors are as follows

1. Ask a friend to go with you. Have a plan where to meet if you get seperated.
2. Let someone you trust, who is not involved in the event know where you are going.
3. Wear confortable, protective shows
4. Stay hyfrated by frequently drinking water during the demonstration.

How to deal with exposure to peppper spray or tear gas

Protestors are advised to follow the tips below to deal with peppper spray or tear gas used by the Ghana Police.

1. Do not rub them eye when peppper spray or tear gas enters your your eye.
2. Tilt your head sideways and rinse each eye with water (and dilutted baby shampoo if available)
3. Do not rinse with milk, becuase hthe gola is to fluch not to neutralize.