By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Dozens of demonstrators have been arrested after Ghanaians on Saturday hit the street in anti-government protest over escalating economic difficulties in the West African nation.
On its third day, the protesters waved placards and the Ghanaian flag, bemoaning high cost of living and a lack of jobs, marching under the watch of riot police, a Reuters report said.
Rich in mineral and agricultural resources, especially gold and cocoa, as major exports, Ghana has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in a generation brought on by spiralling public debt.
“The average Ghanaian can’t afford three square meals (per day) … the government doesn’t care,” said 24-year-old unemployed protester Romeo, who like others at the demonstration was wearing a red beret.
According to Reuters, Police blocked the road to prevent protesters from approaching Jubilee House, the seat of the presidency, which organisers Democracy Hub have vowed to occupy.
On Thursday, police said 49 people had been arrested for unlawful assembly and breaching the public order act on the first day of the three-day action. There was no sign of further arrests and the situation appeared calm on Saturday.
Last year, protests over soaring prices and other economic challenges led to clashes with police.
The Ghanaian government sealed a $3 billion three-year loan programme with the International Monetary Fund in May, but critics have said the authorities have done too little to help those struggling to make ends meet amid the protracted downturn.
