In Ghana, court bars economic hardship protest

A high court in Ghana has barred groups from holding protests in the capital Accra as youth-led demonstrations in other African countries become commonplace. 

The 7-day protest dubbed ‘The Gen-Z demo’ is billed for July 31 to August 6 at the Black Star Square.

Protest organisers said two million people would march to demand more action from President Nana Akufo-Addo on corruption and living conditions. They will also rail against delays in signing an anti-LGBTQ bill into law.

Court documents seen by ModernGhana News said the police have warned that the planned demonstration could compromise public order.

In a ruling on Tuesday, Abena Serwaa, high court judge, approved police request to ban a handful of organisations from carrying out protests.

The planned protests come amid election campaigns in Ghana.

They also arrive on the heels of a wave of demonstrations across Africa in recent weeks.

In Kenya, young people engaged in six weeks of demonstrations over an unpopular bill that sought to raise taxes.

The protests, which soon turned violent, saw at least 50 killed and dozens abducted.

President William Ruto retracted the bill and announced a shake-up of his cabinet following pressure from demonstrators who remained on the streets despite appeals.

Last week, Ugandan youths took to the streets to protest alleged corruption, while demanding the resignation of the speaker of parliament.

In Nigeria, protest organisers said demonstrations would last from August 1 – 10.

However, youths marched to the streets three days earlier in some parts of the country.

President Bola Tinubu and other politicians have repeatedly appealed for understanding and calm.