By John Ikani
No fewer than 29 demonstrators were arrested on Tuesday in Ghana’s capital, Accra following a violent protest against high cost of living.
The otherwise peaceful protest organised by the group Arise Ghana saw hundreds degenerated into chaotic scenes after a stand-off between the demonstrators and police over the route for the protest.
Police in Ghana fired tear gas and used rubber bullets and water cannons to disperse the angry crowd who also pelted stones at the police – injuring 12 officers.
Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the protest was part of an attempt to create instability in the country.
Police say they will arrest organisers of the protest and charge them in court for the attacks and damage to public property.
Ghana’s inflation has jumped to the highest levels in years and the price of essential goods and services has increased sharply.
Annual inflation stood at 13.9% in January but shot up to 27.6% by the end of May.
The Government has blamed the growing difficulties partly on the Russia-Ukraine war.
Organisers of the protest say they will hold another demonstration on Wednesday and march to parliament where they will present their grievances to lawmakers.
