Protests enter second day against rising costs of living in Ghana

Protests enter second day against rising costs of living in Ghana

Organizers claim they are forced protest ‘bad leadership’ by president, vice president

By Enoch Fiifi Forson

ACCRA, Ghana (AA) - Hundreds of Ghanaians took to the streets of the country's capital in Accra on Wednesday on the second day of protests against the rising cost of living.

Protesters criticized price increases on food and fuel, a tax on electronic payments and other levies during an economic downturn.

Arise Ghana organizers claimed they were forced to take to the streets as Ghanaians are suffering because of "bad leadership" by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia.

The Ghana cedi has depreciated at an unprecedented rate against major trading partners, most notably the US.

Inflation has reached unprecedented levels and the cost of basic goods and services has risen dramatically.

Annual inflation was 13.9% in January but rose to 27.6% in May.

Officials have blamed the situation on the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Demonstrators carried placards that read: "Russia-Ukraine war has nothing to do with the price hikes, reduce fuel prices now!"

The first day of protests was chaotic Tuesday, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters.

Demonstrators responded by throwing stones and injuring 12 officers, said the police. In addition, 29 people were arrested.

"There is an obvious attempt to create instability in our country, and we don't need to mince words about it," said Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

Police said authorities will arrest organizers and charge them for the attacks and damage to public property.

The second day of protests was peaceful.

Prominent members of the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, were seen at the demonstrations.​​​​​​​

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