Ghanaian police have arrested 42 protesters in Accra following clashes during demonstrations against economic hardship and illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
The protests, organized by Democracy Hub, started on Friday and were set to continue until Monday. Young demonstrators marched through the capital, chanting patriotic songs and holding signs expressing frustration over the environmental damage from illegal mining and the government’s handling of the economy.
According to police reports, the arrests occurred on Sunday after demonstrators were accused of unlawful assembly and attacking officers. Police spokesperson Grace Ansah-Akrofi stated, “These individuals obstructed traffic, damaged property, and disrupted public peace.”
The police claimed that protesters engaged in several acts of vandalism, including removing the ignition key from a police vehicle and toppling barriers. A manhunt has also been launched for protest leaders, including activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who is accused of evading arrest.
Barker-Vormawor, however, denied the police’s accusations, calling them “baseless and misleading.” He said he had been in contact with senior police officials regarding his whereabouts.
Democracy Hub condemned the police’s response, calling it an unnecessary use of force against peaceful protesters. They urged the government to engage in dialogue with protest leaders to ensure the safety and rights of participants.
The protests come ahead of Ghana’s presidential election in December, where the economy is a central issue. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, will face off against former president John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ghana is still recovering from a severe financial crisis in 2022, which led the country to default on its external debt. While inflation peaked at 54% in December 2022, it has since dropped to 20.4% last month, with the economy stabilizing under a $3-billion International Monetary Fund relief package.
