A Ghanaian high court has prohibited protests in the capital, Accra, amid a rise in youth-led demonstrations across Africa. The 7-day protest, dubbed ‘The Gen-Z demo,’ was scheduled from July 31 to August 6 at Black Star Square.
Organizers had anticipated a turnout of two million people to demand stronger anti-corruption measures from President Nana Akufo-Addo and to address delays in passing an anti-LGBTQ bill. However, court documents obtained by ModernGhana News reveal that the police had expressed concerns that the protest might disrupt public order. On Tuesday, High Court Judge Abena Serwaa granted the police’s request to prevent several organizations from holding the protests.
These demonstrations are part of a broader trend of unrest across Africa. In Kenya, six weeks of protests against a proposed tax increase led to violence, resulting in at least 50 deaths and numerous abductions. President William Ruto responded by withdrawing the bill and reshuffling his cabinet.
In Uganda, recent protests have called out alleged corruption and demanded the resignation of the parliamentary speaker. Similarly, in Nigeria, protests are scheduled from August 1 to 10, with some regions already seeing demonstrations. President Bola Tinubu and other leaders have urged for calm and understanding amid the escalating unrest.
Credit: Arise News