Ghana’s capital Accra was agog as angry protesters marched through the city, calling for the resignation of President Nana Akufo-Addo because of the economic crisis that has hammered the cedi currency and seen fuel and food costs spiral to record levels. According to information gathered, the angry crowd waved placards and chanted ‘Akufo-Addo must go’ and ‘IMF no’ in reference to the government’s ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund for billions of dollars to prop up the economy.
Last week, the Ghanian President sought to reassure Ghanaians that the authorities will get the country’s finances back on track after consumer inflation reaches 37% in September; a 21-year peak despite aggressive policy tightening.
“He has failed and we are asking him to resign. High fuel price increments are killing the people of Ghana,” said protester Rafael Williams.
This peaceful protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations this year over the alarming cost of living that has made it even harder for people to get by in a country where around a quarter of the population live on less than $2.15 per day, according to the World Bank.
Ghana, a country which produces gold, cocoa and oil, has witnessed it’s cedi currency go down by more than 40% against the dollar this year, making it one of the worst-performing currencies in a region that is suffering from the fallout from a global economic slowdown.
“We are speaking to the IMF. They should not give them loans. Enough is enough. We have gold, we have oil, we have manganese, we have diamonds. We have everything we need in this country. The only thing that we need is leadership.” said Tailor Francisca Wintima, who was among those protesting in the capital.
