Some disgruntled Ghanaians, mainly young people, have written to the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to announce their intention to stage a protest on May 9th.
The rally, dubbed #FixTheCountry, is intended to express their frustrations at what they see as successive governments’ inability to better the lives of the people.
The date, May 9, was chosen to catch the restless spirit of the over 126 Ghanaians who died 20 years ago at the Accra Sports Stadium due to “institutionalized negligence and disrespect for Ghanaian lives,” according to the letter signed by 20 individuals.
In addition, President Akufo-Addo, Charles Wereko-Brobby, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Akoto Ampaw, and Napoleon Abdulai will celebrate the 26th anniversary of the anti-government Kume Preko Demonstration on May 11, 1995, which was led by President Akufo-Addo, Charles Wereko-Brobby, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Akoto Ampaw, and Napoleon Abdulai.
The party stated that they “do not wish to present a letter to the President,” but that they would gather at Independence Square at 8:30 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. march, during which they would scatter at 37 Maxmart.
“From the Blackstar Independence Square Station, the March will continue comfortably and at a socially distanced level. The party would proceed from Independence Square along 28th February Road, then follow Atta Mills High Street; then down Graphic Road into the loop, utilizing Dr. Busia Highway, and then back on Dr. Busia Highway to reach Ring Road West Road.
“Then proceed on that street via Ring Road Central, then Odoi Kwao Loop, then join Hilla Limann Highway, then switch on Sunyani Avenue and continue straight until you reach Kanda Link, then turn on President Drive, then continue until you reach Liberation Road, then continue down Liberation Road until you reach 37 Maxmart,” the statement said.
With the Covid-19 pandemic already raging, the party vowed to follow all of the Ghana Health Service’s protection precautions while still staging a nonviolent rally.
“We have no intention of breaking into any protection installation, damaging private property, or even disrupting the peace. The march is about following the law and holding the government accountable. As a result, we plan to perform the march in accordance with the laws of the government, with special attention to our rights and responsibilities under the Constitution and other applicable laws.”
Over the past 48 hours, the hashtag #FixTheCountryNow has been trending on Twitter.
Some of these flaws have been highlighted by social media users, mostly the youth, in their messages.
Despite government efforts such as the Nation Builders Corporation (NABCO), the National Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP), and other promises to invest in growing human resources, some Twitter users claim that the effect is not felt on the ground.
Increasing youth unemployment, a deteriorating health infrastructure, a skyrocketing home-renting structure, and inadequate road networks are among the sentiments expressed on Twitter.
Users claim the growth has exacerbated their problems and rendered it difficult for the ordinary young Ghanaian to make a decent living, particularly when combined with corruption and intermittent power and water supply.
Source: ATLFMNEWSROOM
