The Minority in Parliament has announced plans to reorganize its “OccupyBoG” protest after it was unable to submit a petition to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) during a previous demonstration.
The Governor and his deputies were reportedly engaged in a meeting with officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the time.
The protest aimed to demand the resignation of the Governor and his two deputies, citing alleged mismanagement of the central bank.
Hundreds of protesters, including members of the Concerned Drivers Association, Okada Riders Association, Arise Ghana Movement, and the Head Porters Association, participated in the four-hour march from the Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange to the John Evans Atta-Mills High Street near the Art Centre. They played loud music and called for the resignation of the three officials.
Protesters, dressed in red and black attire, carried placards with messages such as “We also want the duty-free shop at the Airport,” “Governor Addison, where is the GHS77 billion you printed?” and “Addison Must Go.”
Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasized that the protest was not solely for the Party but for the betterment of all Ghanaians. He stated their determination to ensure that the Governor received the petition and resigned.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader in Parliament, called on citizens to reject the Governor, highlighting that the country's international reserves had dwindled under his watch, and there had been alleged overprinting of money.
Mr. Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), urged civil society organizations to speak out against discrepancies and inefficiencies in the country's administration. He emphasized that the current situation was not what the government had promised.
The Minority's decision to reorganize the protest indicates their ongoing efforts to push for change within the Bank of Ghana leadership.
Reporting by GNA: Editing by Adewale Adejoke