Ghana’s police have arrested dozens of demonstrators in the capital protesting against perceived economic mismanagement by the government. The crowds also expressed concerns over illegal mining practices that damage the environment.
Police accused some protesters of attacking officers and pledged a strong response to those involved. A police spokesperson claimed the gatherings were unlawful and led to clashes.
However, Democracy Hub, the group organizing the three-day protest, accused the police of attacking peaceful protesters. Oliver Barker Vormaw, a convenor for the group, stated, “We’ve contacted our lawyers regarding today’s actions. We’re warning everyone about potential random arrests.”
The demonstrations come as Ghana prepares for its presidential election in December, with the country’s financial situation weighing heavily on voters. The nation is slowly recovering from a severe financial crisis in 2022 that pushed inflation to 54 percent.