MPs who have led major demonstrations in Ghana since 2020

In recent years, Ghana has witnessed a surge in political activism among its Members of Parliament, with several of them stepping beyond legislative confines to lead public demonstrations.

This trend reflects a growing willingness among lawmakers to directly engage with constituents and address pressing local and national issues through public protests.

Some of these MPs are;

Abla Dzifa Gomashie

The MP for Ketu South led a demonstration in August 2021 against the closure of the land borders in her constituency, which also suffered due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Her demonstration aimed to pressure the government to reopen these borders.

Mahama Ayariga

The MP for Bawku Central has been active in organizing protests concerning economic and financial policies for a very long time.

Notably, he led a protest march against the Bank of Ghana’s policies, advocating for transparency and accountability in the institution's operations​

The Minority in Parliament and some Ghanaians embarked on the protest against the Bank of Ghana on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, on the premise of the mismanagement of the country’s funds by the leadership of the central bank.

Participants of the demonstration gathered at the Obra Spot at Circle to march to the premises of the Bank of Ghana to present their petition to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison.

The participants of the march only sought one thing and that’s the removal of the BoG Governor, Ernest Addison, from office.

The leadership of the Minority was, however, received by the Head of the Security Department of the Bank of Ghana, Kwesi Asare-Boateng, instead of the governor.

Protesters who joined the demonstration were clad in black and red attires as they held placards with various inscriptions.

Some of the placards read ‘scrap E-Levy now’, ‘enough of the family and friends’ and ‘stop the loot!’

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

A demonstration led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, against the sale of four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Ghana's Minister of Agriculture owns, Bryan Acheampong, took place on Tuesday, June 18.

The MP, together with Organised Labour and other stakeholders, questioned the process that led to the selection of Rock City as the viable entity to purchase the hotels.

The hotels in question are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.

Following this demonstration, Rock City Hotel withdrew the bid to purchase 60 percent shares in the four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), as confirmed by Bryan Acheampong, who has interest and shares in Rock City.

The decision to withdraw the bid came after Organised Labour threatened to embark on a nationwide strike beginning Monday, July 15, if SSNIT proceeds with the decision to sell the hotels to Rock City Hotel.

On July 12, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) terminated the sale of 60 per cent of its stake in the four hotels.

“Discontinuation of Sale of 60% stake in Hotels. The Board and Management of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) wish to inform the public that the process to divest 60% of SSNIT's stake in the hotels has been terminated.

“We wish to assure pensioners, contributors and the public of our commitment to managing the affairs of the Trust prudently for the sustainability of the Pension Scheme,” the statement from SSNIT said.

NAY/AE

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