Police In Ghana Arrest Protesters During Economic Hardship Protest
The demonstrations, which were planned by the organization Democracy Hub, started on Friday and were scheduled to last until Monday.
The majority of the protestors were young people, who carried posters criticizing the government’s alleged economic mismanagement and the environmental damage brought on by illegal mining as they marched around the city while chanting national songs.
According to a statement from the police, 42 persons were taken into custody on Sunday.
According to police spokesperson Grace Ansah-Akrofi, “these individuals assembled unlawfully and attacked police officers who were performing their lawful duties,” as reported by AFP.
“They will appear in court to answer for their acts, which include causing disturbances, damaging property, and obstructing traffic.”
In the statement, the police said that the demonstrators had committed a number of crimes against law, such as kicking down crash barriers, taking the ignition key out of a police car, and disturbing the quiet.
In addition, they declared a manhunt for additional protest organizers, namely well-known attorney and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who was accused of eluding police.
Ansah-Akrofi continued, “We are working to bring all those responsible to face justice.”
But Barker-Vormawor said that the police’s allegation against him was “baseless and misleading.” He wrote on X, “I have been in consistent communication regarding my whereabouts and availability with senior officers within the Police hierarchy.”
Democracy Hub retaliated by denouncing the police’s use of force and characterizing it as an unlawful assault on nonviolent protestors.
The group released a statement saying, “We urge the authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with protest leaders to protect the rights and safety of all participants.”
The demonstrations coincide with Ghana’s preparations for a presidential election in December, where the country’s economy will be a major campaign issue.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is competing against former president John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in this race.
Following a devastating financial crisis in 2022 that resulted in the nation’s default on its external debt, Ghana’s economy is gradually recovering. December 2022 saw a peak of 54% inflation, which decreased to 20.4 percent in the previous month.
References and Citation
channelstv.com – Ghana Police Arrest 42 At Economic Hardship Protest
Newscentral.africa – Ghana Police Cracks Down on Economic Hardship Protests
saharareporters.com – Wanted Ghanaian Protest Leader, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Denies Being On The Run After Police Arrest 42 Over Economic Hardship Protest
guardian.ng – Ghana police arrest 42 during economic protest
