Protesters in Ghana Demand President’s Resignation Amid Worsening Inflation

Consumer inflation topped 37 percent in Ghana in September, while the cedi currency has lost more than 40 percent of its value this year.

Hundreds of protesters have marched through Ghana’s capital Accra, calling for the resignation of President Nana Akufo-Addo amid an economic crisis that has seen fuel and food costs soar to record highs.

Parading past police in riot gear, the crowd of more than 1,000 waved banners Saturday and chanted “Akufo-Addo must go.”

The red-clad crowd also shouted “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 president tried to reassure Ghanaians that the authorities would get the country’s finances back on track after consumer inflation topped 37 percent in September, a 21-year high despite aggressive tightening policies. .

“He has failed and we are asking him to resign. High fuel price increases are killing the people of Ghana,” said protester Rafael Williams.

The peaceful protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations this year over the rising cost of living that has made it even harder for people to survive in a country where roughly a quarter of the population lives on less than $2.15 per day, according to the World Bank.

Ghana, which produces gold, cocoa and oil, has also seen its cedi currency fall by more than 40 percent against the dollar this year, making it one of the worst performing currencies in a region reeling from a global economic slowdown.

“We are talking to the IMF. They shouldn’t give them loans,” said tailor Francisca Wintima, who was among the protesters in the capital.

“Enough is enough. We have gold, we have oil, we have manganese, we have diamonds. We have everything we need in this country. All we need is leadership.”