Ghana’s High Court has banned planned protests against rising living costs, citing security concerns. The injunction prevents civil society groups from demonstrating in Accra from July 31 to August 6. This decision reflects a broader trend of suppressing youth-led protests across Africa amid economic unrest.
On July 31, 2024, Ghana's High Court issued an injunction barring civil society groups from staging planned demonstrations in Accra. The court's decision comes as part of a broader trend across African nations to limit youth-led protests addressing economic issues.
The planned protests, expected to mobilize over two million participants, aimed to challenge President Nana Akufo-Addo on several fronts, including corruption, living conditions, and the swift passage of an anti-LGBT bill. However, the court's ruling effectively halts these demonstrations, according to reports from Reuters.
Justice Abena Afia Serwaa granted the police's request to prohibit protests from July 31 to August 6, citing a shortage of security personnel. Many officers are currently engaged in duties related to upcoming elections, leaving inadequate resources for the planned demonstrations.
This development reflects a rising pattern of government efforts to suppress civil unrest across Africa. Recent months have seen a wave of youth-led protests, notably in Kenya and Uganda, where government responses have been severe. In Kenya, a crackdown has resulted in significant casualties and arrests, while Uganda has seen similar aggressive actions against protesters.
In response to the Ghanaian court's decision, Mensah Thompson, a protest organizer, criticized the move as an attempt to restrict citizens' rights. He warned that continued suppression might lead to unplanned, widespread protests similar to those seen in other African countries.
