An intended protest led by Ghanaian youths to address corruption, high living costs, and the delay in passing the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill into law was halted by a court in Ghana.
The protest, known as “The Gen-Z demo,” was coordinated by a coalition of civil society and pressure organizations and was planned to run from July 31 to August 6.
The organizers aimed to mirror similar youth-led protests in Kenya and Uganda, with the objective of pressing President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration to combat the weakening cedi currency and the rising cost of living.
High court judge Mary Yanzuh stopped the protest following a request from the police to block the event. The police contended that the extended duration of the protest posed security and logistical challenges.
“The number of days proposed for the protest would make it difficult for us to provide adequate security, and it would strain our human resources, logistics, and operational capabilities, especially given that this is an election year with various political activities happening,” said police prosecutor Sylvester Asare to AFP.
“We are profoundly disappointed by the court’s ruling,” stated Bernard Mornah, one of the protest organizers. “This protest was a platform for the youth to express their grievances and demand answerability.”
“By preventing this demonstration, our calls for change are being stifled, and our democratic rights are being undermined,” he conveyed to AFP.
Ebenezer Havor, a coordinator of the protest, also voiced frustration over the decision.
He informed AFP: “Our aim was to urge the president and his administration to implement strategies to rectify the economy, address corruption, and demonstrate their support for the Sexual and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.”
“Many Ghanaians uphold the values embedded in this bill, and the president’s refusal to approve it has sparked significant controversy.”
Although Ghana’s parliament passed the contentious bill in February to restrict LGBTQ rights, the president is yet to ratify it into law.
Activists have criticized the so-called “anti-gay bill,” but it garners substantial support in Ghana, where the supreme court recently upheld a law criminalizing homosexual activities in a separate ruling earlier this month.
– Financial Struggles –
The cancellation of the protest comes amid economic challenges in Ghana.
Despite a slight drop in inflation to 22.8 per cent in June 2024, the figure remains well above the central bank’s target range of 6-10 per cent.
Ghana, known for its gold production and cocoa export, has been grappling with servicing external debts since 2022, leading to a $3 billion debt relief agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
The latest Afrobarometer report on democratic trends in Africa highlights a growing discontent with democratic institutions and leadership across the continent.
While African youths endorse democratic principles, they are increasingly disillusioned with their leaders’ capacity to deliver tangible benefits, according to the report.
The blocked protest in Ghana underscores the widening disparity between young people and their government.
Nevertheless, the pressure groups are undeterred and have pledged to persist in their advocacy using alternate methods.
“Our voices will not be silenced,” affirmed Mornah. “We will seek new avenues to clamor for the changes that Ghana deserves.”
AFP