Multi-Day Protests Over Economic Crisis Grip Ghana's Capital

Voice of America
24 Sep 2023, 06:05 GMT+10

ACCRA, ghana - Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the Ghanaian capital Accra on Saturday for a third day of anti-government protests linked to economic hardship that have led to dozens of arrests.

Protesters, some waving placards or the Ghanaian flag, decried the high cost of living and a lack of jobs as they marched under the watch of riot police. The gold-, oil- and cocoa-producing nation has been battling its worst economic crisis in a generation brought on by spiraling public debt.

'The average Ghanaian can't afford three square meals [per day] ... the government doesn't care,' said 24-year-old unemployed protester Romeo, who like others at the demonstration was wearing a red beret.

Ghanaians gather for a third day of anti-government protests amid police arrests and obstruction in Accra, Ghana, Sept. 23, 2023.

Police blocked the road to prevent protesters approaching Jubilee House, the seat of the presidency, which organizers Democracy Hub have vowed to occupy.

On Thursday, police said 49 people had been detained for unlawful assembly and violating the public order act on the first day of the three-day action. There was no sign of further arrests and the situation appeared calm on Saturday.

Last year, protests over soaring prices and other economic challenges led to clashes with police.

The government sealed a $3 billion, three-year loan program with the International Monetary Fund in May, but detractors say the authorities have done too little to help those struggling to make ends meet amid the protracted downturn.

Economic growth is forecast to slow to 1.5% this year from 3.1% in 2022.

Reuters
Subscribe

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Milwaukee Sun.

More Information

35 ℉

Mostly Cloudy in Milwaukee

International

Section

12th century leaning tower in Bologna secured to save it from collapse

BOLOGNA, Italy: Due to fears of a collapse, local officials have secured the area around one of two 12th century ...

Flights, trains cancelled in Bavaria after heavy snowfall

MUNICH, Germany: The heavy snow and icy conditions that hit Bavaria, Germany, canceled flights and long-distance trains out of Munich, ...

North Carolina to add thousands of people to Medicaid rolls this week

RALEIGH, North Carolina: After a decade of discussions and hesitations, North Carolina has expanded Medicaid coverage by offering government-funded health ...