Accra – A Ghanaian court has blocked planned protests against the government’s handling of the economy and other issues, joining a growing trend of African nations clamping down on civil unrest.
Civil society groups had planned mass demonstrations in Accra to protest corruption, high living costs, and the government’s delay in signing an anti-LGBTQ bill. Organizers estimated a turnout of over two million people.
However, a high court judge granted a police request to ban the protests, citing security concerns amid the ongoing election campaign. Police claimed insufficient personnel to protect protesters due to their deployment at political rallies.
The ban comes as several African countries grapple with youth-led demonstrations over economic hardships. Kenya has witnessed deadly clashes between protesters and security forces following tax hikes, while Uganda has seen protests over alleged corruption. Nigeria has offered incentives to young people to deter planned demonstrations.
Protest organizers in Ghana have vowed to defy the court order, warning of potential unrest if citizens are prevented from exercising their right to protest. The country is facing a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and rising interest rates.
Ghana is scheduled to hold general elections in December.
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