Ghanaian police said they arrested 42 protesters in the capital, Accra, after clashes broke out during demonstrations against economic hardship and the government’s handling of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey”.
The protests, organized by the group Democracy Hub, began on Friday and were due to continue through Monday.
The mostly young protesters marched through the city singing patriotic songs and holding placards expressing frustration at environmental destruction caused by illegal mining and perceived economic mismanagement by the government.
Forty-two people were arrested on Sunday, police said in a statement.
“These people gathered illegally and attacked police officers who were carrying out their duties in accordance with the law,” police spokeswoman Grace Ansah-Akrofi told AFP.
“They will be brought to justice for their actions, which include obstructing traffic, damaging property and provoking disturbances.
The police said in their statement that the protesters engaged in various acts of lawlessness, including removing the ignition key from a police vehicle and throwing it, pushing guardrails and disturbing public order.
They also announced a manhunt for other protest leaders, including prominent lawyer and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who reportedly evaded arrest.
“We are working to bring all those responsible to justice,” Ansah-Akrofi added.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor, however, insisted that the police’s claims about him were “baseless and misleading”.
“I have been in constant communication with senior officers within the police hierarchy regarding my whereabouts and availability,” he said in a message on X.
In response, Democracy Hub condemned the police’s use of force, calling it an unjustified attack on peaceful protesters.
“We urge the authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with protest leaders to protect the rights and safety of all participants,” the group said in a statement.
The protests come as Ghana prepares for presidential elections in December, with the economy at the heart of the campaign.
The race pits the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia against former President John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ghana’s economy is slowly recovering from a severe financial crisis in 2022, which forced the country to default on its external debt.
Inflation peaked at 54% in December 2022, but fell to 20.4% last month.
With President Nana Akufo-Addo stepping down after two terms, it is his deputy Bawumia who is leading the ruling party’s efforts to retain power.
Ghana, a major producer of oil, gold and cocoa, is gradually stabilizing its economy thanks to a $3 billion aid package from the International Monetary Fund.
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