By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
A high court in Ghana has stopped a planned protest by civil society groups aimed at highlighting the high cost of living.
The protest, scheduled between July 31 and August 6, was halted after Justice Abena Afia Serwaa granted a police request, citing the inability to provide adequate security as their personnel are engaged in political rallies and election campaigns. Protest organizer Mensah Thompson argued that the right to protest is fundamental, warning of potential unrest if the demonstration is not approved.
Ghana is currently facing severe economic challenges, including high inflation, a fiscal crisis, currency depreciation, and a foreign exchange crisis. These issues have been exacerbated by a failed debt restructuring deal in April 2024, where the country could not reach an agreement with bondholder groups to restructure $13 billion in international bonds.
