The NPP Youth Organiser, Fusaini Abanga, has rejected claims that demonstrators at the party’s “Yɛgye Yɛ Sika” protest repeatedly disrespected officials of the Presidency during the presentation of their petition on Tuesday.
Responding to Deputy Government Spokesperson Shamima Muslim’s comments, Mr Abanga insisted that the protesters did not prevent her from speaking or deliberately show disrespect during the engagement.
Speaking on Dwaso Nsem, he said he was present throughout the interaction and paid attention to everything Ms Muslim said.
“It is not true that we did not allow her to speak. What exactly does she mean by that? Do you focus on side activities instead of the main thing you are doing?” he questioned.
Mr Abanga, who said he led the demonstration and mobilised the participants, explained that he was standing with Ms Muslim and listening attentively as she addressed the protesters.
He, however, offered an apology if his conduct was perceived as disrespectful, while distancing himself from any comments or actions by other participants that he might not have witnessed.
“I was the one who led the demonstration and mobilised the people. If I disrespected her, then I apologise. But if it was something someone else said, I am not aware of it. As far as I am concerned, nobody disrespected her,” he said.
Mr Abanga further maintained that the NPP supporters were law-abiding citizens and had complied with the security arrangements and instructions throughout the protest.
He said his professional background as a security expert made him particularly conscious of his conduct during public demonstrations.
“I am a security expert, so I am careful about everything I do. I complied with all the security measures and instructions. So how would I disrespect a representative of the President who had been delegated to receive our petition?” he asked.
His response follows comments by Ms Muslim, who accused the protesters of repeatedly showing disrespect during engagements with officials at the Presidency.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, she said the protesters were received respectfully and given the opportunity to present their petition, but resorted to chanting and singing when she attempted to respond.
She explained that she intended to acknowledge receipt of the petition and assure the demonstrators that it would be forwarded to the Chief of Staff’s Office for onward submission to the President.
The protest, organised by NPP supporters under the banner of “Yɛgye Yɛ Sika”, was held to express concerns over the government’s handling of the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.
