Ghanaian Court Prohibits Protests in Accra Amid Increase in Youth-Led African Demonstrations

As youth-led protests demanding political and social change spread throughout Africa, a Ghanaian court has banned protests in Accra.

As youth-led protests spread throughout Africa, a high court in Ghana has banned demonstrations in the country’s capital, Accra. The “Gen-Z demo,” a seven-day protest, was slated to occur at Black Star Square from July 31 to August 6.

Two million people were expected to march as part of the protests, which called for President Nana Akufo-Addo to take more immediate action against corruption and poor living circumstances. Additionally, they planned to express dissatisfaction about the protracted passage of a bill that discriminates against LGBTQ people.

According to court records that ModernGhana News was able to obtain, the police had expressed worries that the planned protest might disturb the peace. Judge Abena Serwaa of the High Court granted the police’s request to stop several organizations from organizing the protests in a decision on Tuesday.

These scheduled protests coincide with the ongoing political campaigns in Ghana and come after a wave of recent weeks of protests throughout the African continent.

Young people in Kenya staged a six-week long protest against an unpopular measure that would have increased taxes. At least 50 people were killed and several more were kidnapped as a result of the violent demonstrations. President William Ruto reacted to the disturbances by withdrawing the law and appointing a new cabinet, caving in to the demands of protestors who persisted in blocking traffic in the face of orders to desist.

Youths in Uganda also staged protests in the streets last week, calling for the speaker of parliament to quit and denouncing alleged corruption.

In the meantime, protest organizers in Nigeria have scheduled protests for August 1–10, though in certain areas, young people started marching three days before. In the face of the escalating turmoil, political leaders such as President Bola Tinubu have repeatedly urged patience and moderation.