Ghanaians are experiencing their own set of challenges, though not as severe as what Nigerians are going through. In Accra, the capital of Ghana, hundreds of demonstrators gathered for the third consecutive day to protest against their government. These protests are driven by economic difficulties and have resulted in numerous arrests.
Protesters, many holding signs and the Ghanaian flag, voiced their concerns about the high cost of living and the lack of job opportunities. Riot police closely monitored the march. Ghana, known for its gold, oil, and cocoa production, is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in decades, largely caused by a soaring public debt.
Romeo, a 24-year-old unemployed protester, lamented, “The average Ghanaian can’t afford three square meals a day, and it feels like the government isn’t doing anything.” He was among the demonstrators wearing red berets.
Authorities took measures to prevent protesters from reaching Jubilee House, where the presidency is situated, as organizers from Democracy Hub had declared their intent to occupy it.
During the first day of the three-day protest, the police detained 49 individuals for unlawful assembly and violating public order regulations. However, there were no reports of further arrests, and the situation remained relatively calm on Saturday.
Last year, Ghana saw protests due to skyrocketing prices and other economic woes, resulting in clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
In May, the government entered into a $3 billion, three-year loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Critics argue that the government has not done enough to assist those struggling with the prolonged economic downturn.
Economic growth in Ghana is expected to slow to 1.5% this year, down from 3.1% in 2022. One of the country’s pressing concerns is its power sector’s financial sustainability, characterized by mounting debts and excess capacity purchases. Addressing legacy debts and reducing electricity prices, especially for businesses, is crucial.
It remains to be seen how Ghana will navigate through these challenges. However, it’s worth noting that Ghana’s economic situation appears comparatively better than Nigeria’s, where numerous issues persist and the economy struggles to function effectively.
