NEWS: GHANA POLICE ARREST 42 AT ECONOMIC HARDSHIP PROTEST
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Ghanaian police claimed they arrested 42 demonstrators in the capital, Accra, following skirmishes during protests against economic hardship and the government’s handling of illicit mining, known locally as “galamsey.”.
The protests, sponsored by the nonprofit Democracy Hub, began on Friday and were scheduled to last until Monday.
The demonstrators, largely young people, marched through the city, screaming patriotic songs and carrying placards expressing their dissatisfaction with the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and perceived government economic mismanagement.
Police arrested 42 people on Sunday, according to a statement.
“These individuals assembled unlawfully and attacked police officers who were performing their lawful duties,” police spokesperson Grace Ansah-Akrofi told AFP.
“They will be arraigned in court for their actions, which include obstructing traffic, damaging property and causing disturbances.”
According to the police statement, the demonstrators committed various acts of lawlessness, such as snatching the ignition key from a police vehicle and throwing it away, pushing down crash barriers, and disrupting tranquillity.
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They also announced a manhunt for additional protest organisers, including well-known lawyer and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who is accused of fleeing arrest.
“We are working to bring all those responsible to face justice,” Ansah-Akrofi added.
Barker-Vormawor, however, insisted that the police’s claim about him was “baseless and misleading”.
“I have been in consistent communication with senior officers within the Police hierarchy regarding my whereabouts and availability,” he said in a post on X.
In response, Democracy Hub condemned the police’s use of force, calling it an unjustified attack on peaceful demonstrators.
“We urge the authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with protest leaders to protect the rights and safety of all participants,” the group said in a statement.
The protests occur as Ghana prepares for a presidential election in December, with the economy at the centre of the campaign.
The contest pits the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia against former President John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ghana’s economy is gradually recovering from a major financial crisis in 2022, which prompted the government to default on external debt.
Inflation peaked at 54% in December 2022 but dropped to 20.4% last month.
With President Nana Akufo-Addo stepping down after two terms, his deputy, Bawumia, is leading the ruling party’s efforts to preserve power.
Ghana, a leading producer of oil, gold and cocoa, is gradually steadying its economy with a $3-billion relief package from the International Monetary Fund.
AFP
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