Sierra Leone bans street jogging for ‘obstructing traffic’ and ‘pick pocketing’

Police in Sierra Leone have banned group jogging in the street on the grounds that it encourages disruptive behaviour.

A statement released reads, “Police headquarters has observed with dismay that people are in the habit of jogging in large numbers along the streets with a hint of menace, raining insults, obstructing traffic, pounding on vehicles, playing loud music, and snatching property from other members of the public”.

The statement dated July 27, said an immediate ban on such activities was being enforced “in line with the constitutional consideration for public order and safety”.

The police letter said “individuals desiring to jog for health reasons” were “at liberty to do so, but at recreational facilities or at the beach”.