Protests in Accra

by the People's Daily Graphic Reporters, 12 May 1995

A group of people describing themselves as members of the

"Alliance for Change" demonstrated through some principal streets of Accra to demand a change and direction in certain govt policies.

The demonstration which was dubbed "Kumepreko" was held as a manifestation of their commitment to the aspirations of the suffering Ghanaians affected by the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT).

The group, amid drumming and singing of all kinds of songs took off from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in what was seen as a peaceful manner at exactly 10 am.

The demonstrators also carried placards some of which read: "Do away with VAT", "We are prepared to sacrifice our lives for mother Ghana", "We do not want a Rwanda and Liberia carnage in the country", stlgWe no go sit down make you cheat us everyday" and "Remember the 1982 promise".

Some of them were also wielding planks of wood, measuring between two and four feet.

The group went through the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue to UTC area where they were intercepted by the police for a while.

At UTC area, the group however started to demolish lotto kiosks saying that the country has been turned into a gambling state.

Consequently, some of the demonstrators diverted their routes and went through the Okaishie area where they were met by another group of demonstrators from the Association of Committees for the Defence of the Revolution (ACDRs).

A confusion broke out around the Makola-Rawlings Park when the demonstrators clashed with those of the ACDRs.

This resulted in firing shots from the large crowd. Whilst the demonstrators were retreating two of them were injured through gunshots.

The smaller group which changed its route finally retreated and joined the main group at UTC area where they advanced to the General Post Office area through Accra High Street.

The police also kept their cool as most of them either moved in groups alongside the demonstrators or in their armoured vehicles and never reacted to any provocation from the marchers.

The Bank of Ghana and other commercial banks within Accra Central were highly fortified with military presence to prevent the demonstrators from causing any damage.

The demonstrators, however, passed by and went through the 28th February, Barnes and Kojo Thompson Roads back to Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

There was also a heavy military presence at the Ministries and some of the demonstrators were searched.

At Circle, the organisers addressed the teaming crowd and commended them for their massive support.