Ghanaians converged on the nation’s capital, Accra, for a third consecutive day of anti-government protests related to economic hardships. This riots or protest has resulted numerous arrests.
Protesters held placards and the Ghanaian flag as they voiced their concerns about the high cost of living and job scarcity. They marched under the supervision of riot police, as reported by Reuters.
Romeo, a 24-year-old unemployed protester, expressed his sadness at government apathy. “The government doesn’t care; the average Ghanaian can’t afford three square meals a day.”
Police implemented roadblocks to prevent demonstrators from approaching Jubilee House, the presidential seat, which the organizers, Democracy Hub, pledged to occupy.
On the initial day of the three-day protest, police reported 49 arrests for unlawful assembly and violations of the public order act. However, there were no indications of additional arrests, and the situation remained peaceful on Saturday.
In the previous year, protests over soaring prices and economic challenges led to clashes with law enforcement.
Despite the Ghanaian government’s $3 billion, three-year loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund in May, critics argue that authorities have not done enough to assist those grappling with financial hardships during the prolonged economic downturn.
Economic growth is anticipated to decelerate from 3.1% in 2022 to 1.5% this year.
