Police File Injunction To Stop Massive Gen Z Demonstration
The Ghana Police Service has filed an injunction to prevent the upcoming Gen-Z demonstration, a seven-day protest scheduled from July 31 to August 6, 2024, which aims to mobilize over 2 million young people onto the streets of Accra. The protest is organized to address the severe economic hardships affecting the youth, leading many into drug addiction, dangerous migrations, and even joining terrorist groups.
The demonstrators also plan to challenge the heavy taxes imposed by the government, including the controversial betting tax, COVID-19 tax, sanitation tax, and increased internet data taxes. Additionally, the protest seeks to voice Gen-Z’s strong disapproval of the widespread corruption and nepotism allegedly characterizing the incumbent administration.
The court is set to hear the injunction application on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. In response, the conveners of the demonstration have vowed to defend their right to protest, citing constitutional provisions that protect citizens’ rights to demonstrate. The organizers are inspired by the massive protests in Kenya, which prompted significant changes from the President.
As the court date approaches, the tension between the authorities and the protest organizers highlights the growing discontent among Ghana’s youth and their determination to push for change.