A Ghanaian court blocked a planned youth-led protest on Wednesday aimed at addressing corruption, the high cost of living and the president’s failure 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 scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 6.
The organisers hoped to emulate similar youth-led protests in Kenya and Uganda, aiming to pressure President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government to address the depreciating cedi currency and soaring living costs.
High court judge Mary Yanzuh blocked the protest following a police application seeking to prohibit the event. The police argued that the extended duration of the protest posed 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.
