The Ghana Police Service will temporarily close down some major roads in the national capital, Accra, ahead of a major crusade by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of the Christ Embassy Church at the Black Stars Square on Friday, February 5.
A statement from the service indicated that the roads will be closed to motorists from midday on Friday to the early hours of Saturday.
“The general public especially motorists are humbly requested to observe these arrangements and plan for alternative routes before embarking on their respective journeys. Moreover Police personnel will be positioned at vantage points to assist with traffic direction and diversions for a successful event,” the statement further noted.
Security
The Public Relations Officer of Greater Accra Regional Police Command, ASP Efia Tenge speaking on Eyewitness News, explained that “certain roads leading to the venue of the event, will be closed to traffic to ensure that the security of persons who will be attending the gathering is safeguarded.”
While admitting that the closure “will cause some inconvenience to people, especially motorists,” she noted that the move forms part of measures to ensure that those who go there return safe.
“If we have to visit our public order Act 419, it mandates the Police to close certain roads especially when events are being organised…We are having an event that will be convening over 500,000 people and looking at the events venue, apart from even the Independence Square , we have also taken the Sports Stadium and also if the capacity is not anything to go by , we would still take the forecourt of the state house.”
ASP Tenge sought to clam the nerves of motorists who will be taking routes that had been blocked, saying the roads had not been totally shut down but only diverted for the purpose of the event.
“We are doing our best to ensure that motorists who are coming towards these areas are directed appropriately through the right routes,”she revealed.
Chris Oyakhilome, known popularly as Pastor Chris, is a Nigerian minister who is the founding president of Believers’ Loveworld Incorporated, also known as “Christ Embassy,” a Bible-based Christian ministry headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.
His ministry runs several arms including the Healing School, Rhapsody of Realities is among the most translated book in the whole world, 662 translations), and an NGO called the Innercity Missions for Children as well as three Christian television channels: LoveWorld TV, LoveWorld SAT and LoveWorld Plus.
Oyakhilome’s television programs feature his faith healings, miracles and large meetings which his ministry organised around the world.
This is Pastor Chris’ first visit to Ghana where he also has a huge following.
Roads to be closed down
28th February Road at CEPS headquarters traffic light
Starlets “91” Streets at Ministries Traffic Light
Castle Road from AU circle towards the state house
Starlets “91” road from Osu Cemetry Traffic light to the Black Stars square
Labone junction towards Osu
Osu Traffic Light towards the crossroad
Otoo Kofi street behind the State House and LoKKo road
Car parks
As part of efforts to ensure smooth vehicular movement, the following areas have also been earmarked as car parks for the event.
Afua Sutherland Children’s park
Arts Centre/Hearts Park
Riveria Drive
Cocoa Affairs/Old Court
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
Baiden Powel
Hockey Stadium
Rawlings park
City car park
Osekan car park
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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah