A group of Ghanaians living abroad, under the theme "GHANA AYƐ MMƆBƆ", staged a demonstration outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 23. The protest coincided with President John Dramani Mahama's attendance at the UN General Assembly. According to MyJoyOnline, the protesters, affiliated with various political parties, movements, and associations, carried placards with messages about governance and resource management. The demonstration was organized by a group calling itself 'Ghanaians Abroad'.
The protesters demanded accountability from the Mahama government on several issues, including freedom of speech, illegal mining, job creation, education, and support for women-owned businesses. Organizer Kwasi Obeng-Fosu told Asaase Radio that the group intended to press the government on these issues, as well as the 24-hour economy, automatic posting of newly qualified teachers and nurses, and the proposed Women's Development Bank. The protesters also called for stronger measures to stop the destruction of forests and water bodies due to galamsey.
Galamsey, or illegal mining, was a major concern for the protesters, who questioned why Mahama had not declared a state of emergency over the issue. They pointed to earlier calls he made for such action while he was still in opposition. The 24-hour economy policy, one of Mahama's signature promises in the 2024 campaign, also came under fire. Protesters demanded clearer timelines, targets, and measurable outcomes on its implementation.
The protesters also raised concerns about free speech, citing recent cases of social media commentators and citizens being arrested and prosecuted over allegedly offensive or threatening statements. They argued that the law must be enforced consistently and without partisan bias. Additionally, they referenced reports of large quantities of suspected cocaine being trafficked from Ghana, calling on the government to take decisive action against drug trafficking.
The demonstration was not meant merely to criticize the government, but to demand evidence of implementation and measurable results on outstanding promises. Organizers told MyJoyOnline that the event marked the start of a broader diaspora-led accountability campaign. They indicated that a petition would be submitted to Ghanaian representatives in the United States.
Future activities, according to the organizers, will focus on tracking progress on campaign commitments and keeping the concerns of Ghanaians abroad on both the national and international agenda. The protest comes during a busy week of Ghanaian diplomatic activity in New York, with talks with the United States over Ghana's reparations bid, discussions with Norway on oil, AI, and maritime security, and praise from Brazil's president for Mahama.
The protest reflects the concerns of Ghanaians abroad, who are demanding action from the government on various issues. The organizers believe that by working together, they can bring about change and hold the government accountable for its promises. No specific dates for follow-up actions have been given.
Key points
- The protesters demanded accountability from the Mahama government on issues including galamsey, jobs, and free speech.
- The demonstration was organized by a group calling itself 'Ghanaians Abroad', who are affiliated with various political parties, movements, and associations.
- The protest marked the start of a broader diaspora-led accountability campaign, with future activities focused on tracking progress on campaign commitments.
