The High Court in Ghana has ordered an injunction against the civil society groups planning to stage protests in Accra from July 31st to August 6th. The decision viewed through a lens of the court’s concern about the lack of security and shortage of the officers and police demonstrate a growing tendency in African countries to end the youth-led demonstrations, mainly on the basis of the high cost of living.
This was to be achieved through a massive demonstration demanding President Nana Akufo-Addo to fight corruption, alleviate the people’s living conditions, and to accelerate the anti-LGBTQ bill previously passed.
High Court Justice, Abena Afia Serwaa, served an order from the authorities to halt the protests when many police officers were already deployed at political rallies for the elections. This decision was made at a time when protests, mainly staged by young people, are happening in many African countries, all calling for urgent solutions to various social and economic issues.
One of the protest organizers, Mensah Thompson, argued that elections should not hinder citizens from exercising their right to demonstrate. He noted that demonstration activities of youth are inevitable.
