Ghana Police Seek Court Injunction to Halt Gen-Z Demonstration in Accra

Accra, Ghana — The Ghana Police Service has filed a court injunction to prevent the anticipated Gen-Z demonstration, planned to bring over two million young people to the streets of Accra from July 31 to August 6, 2024. The protest aims to voice frustration over economic hardships and systemic issues that disproportionately affect Ghana’s youth.

The planned seven-day demonstration, organized by the youth, primarily addresses the severe economic difficulties many young people face. Rising costs and limited opportunities have left Ghana’s youth vulnerable to numerous social challenges, including drug addiction, perilous migration in search of better living conditions, and even recruitment into extremist groups. Organizers also intend to spotlight grievances over what they describe as stifling government policies, highlighting controversial taxes that target sectors popular with younger demographics. These include the COVID-19 tax, a sanitation levy, increased internet data charges, and a contentious betting tax, all of which demonstrators say place additional strain on an already struggling generation.

In addition to economic concerns, Gen-Z protesters plan to express dissatisfaction with alleged corruption and nepotism within the current administration, which they argue has led to widespread distrust among young Ghanaians. They cite the youth-led protests in Kenya, which recently pressured the government to implement significant changes, as a source of inspiration for their movement.

A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, to deliberate on the injunction application filed by the police. The police argue that maintaining public safety and order is paramount, hence the need to halt such a large-scale demonstration. However, the organizers have stated they are prepared to defend their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, citing protections for free expression and demonstration under Ghana’s constitution.