A Ghanaian court has blocked a planned youth-led protest aimed at addressing corruption, the high cost of living, and President Nana Akufo-Addo’s refusal to sign a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill into law.
The protest, dubbed “The Gen-Z Demo,” was organised by a coalition of civil society and pressure groups and was scheduled to run from July 31 to August 6. The organisers sought to emulate similar youth-led protests in Kenya and Uganda, aiming to pressure President Akufo-Addo’s government to address the depreciating cedi currency and soaring living costs.
High Court Judge Mary Yanzuh prohibited the protest following a police application. The police argued that the extended duration of the demonstration posed significant security and logistical challenges.
“Given the number of days proposed for the protest, providing adequate security would severely strain our human, logistical, and operational capabilities, especially in this election year with other political activities taking place,” police prosecutor Sylvester Asare told AFP.
“We are deeply disappointed by the court’s decision,” said Bernard Mornah, one of the protest organisers. “This protest was a chance for the youth to voice their frustrations and demand accountability.”
“Blocking this demonstration silences our calls for change and undermines our democratic rights,” he told AFP.
In February, Ghana’s parliament passed the controversial bill to severely restrict LGBTQ rights, but the president has yet to ratify it into law. Some activists have condemned the “anti-gay bill,” but it has wide support in Ghana, where the Supreme Court recently upheld a law criminalising gay sex.
The protest cancellation occurs as Ghana faces economic challenges. Despite a slight easing of inflation to 22.8 percent in June 2024, the figure remains well above the central bank’s target band of 6-10 percent.
Ghana, a major producer of gold and exporter of cocoa, has been struggling with external debt servicing since 2022, prompting a $3 billion debt relief agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
The latest Afrobarometer report on democratic trends in Africa highlights growing dissatisfaction with democratic institutions and leadership on the continent. While young people in Africa are supportive of democratic principles, they are increasingly disillusioned with their leaders’ ability to deliver tangible benefits, the report said.