Ghana police arrest dozens of protesters denouncing the government’s handling of the economy

In recent days, Ghana’s police have arrested numerous protesters in the capital, Accra, who were demonstrating against the government’s perceived mismanagement of the economy. The protests also highlighted concerns over the government’s approach to illegal mining, a practice known for its detrimental impact on the environment.

Tensions escalated when police accused some demonstrators of assaulting officers, pledging a strong response to those they deemed responsible. A police spokesperson asserted that the protest had been organized unlawfully, which led to confrontations between officers and the crowds.

In contrast, the protest organizers, known as Democracy Hub, claimed that the police had launched an unprovoked attack on peaceful demonstrators. Oliver Barker Vormawor, a key figure in Democracy Hub, announced that they had engaged legal counsel to address the police actions, which included what they described as random arrests. He called on the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing that the police’s tactics were unjust.

These protests occur against the backdrop of an impending presidential election in December, with economic issues taking center stage in the minds of many voters. Ghana is still recovering from a severe financial crisis that hit in 2022, characterized by soaring inflation rates that peaked at 54 percent. As the nation grapples with these challenges, public sentiment regarding the government’s economic policies remains tense and unresolved.