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The Ghana Police Service has requested a court order to prevent the Gen-Z protest scheduled for July 31 to August 6, 2024, in Accra. The planned demonstration aims to gather over 2 million young people to address severe economic challenges, high taxes, and allegations of government corruption.
Protesters plan to highlight issues such as drug addiction, risky migrations, and the effects of heavy taxation, including controversial levies on betting, COVID-19, sanitation, and increased internet data.
The court will review the police’s request for an injunction on July 30, 2024. In response, protest organizers have pledged to defend their right to demonstrate, citing constitutional rights. They are inspired by recent youth-led protests in Kenya that resulted in significant changes.
In Kenya, a court has temporarily lifted a police-imposed ban on protests in Nairobi and nearby areas. The ban, which was enacted due to concerns over public safety and criminal infiltration in the largely leaderless protests, followed a month of demonstrations that began against unpopular tax hikes and evolved into calls for President William Ruto’s resignation.
The protests, which resulted in numerous fatalities, saw businesses initially close but later reopen as tensions eased. The high court’s decision came after a civil rights group challenged the ban, arguing that it infringed on the constitutional right to protest.
Although President Ruto has responded by withdrawing a controversial finance bill and dismissing his cabinet, protests continue, driven by demands for greater accountability and measures against corruption. The unrest has tragically led to at least 50 deaths and hundreds of injuries since the demonstrations started on June 18.
Source: Todaysyouthafrica.com/Risa Wyettey Cofie
