A group of Ghanaians living abroad has demonstrated outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York, demanding greater accountability from the government over campaign promises, illegal mining, jobs and citizens’ rights.
The group, calling itself “Ghanaians Abroad”, staged the demonstration on Wednesday, September 23, under the theme “GHANA AYƐ MMƆBƆ”, bringing together Ghanaians affiliated with different political parties, movements and associations.
The protesters called for measurable progress on commitments made during the 2024 election campaign, with illegal mining and the pace of implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy among their major concerns.
On galamsey, the demonstrators questioned why President John Dramani Mahama had not declared a state of emergency over illegal mining, recalling his previous calls for such action while in opposition.
They also demanded clearer timelines and measurable targets for the 24-hour economy, citing expectations among young people for increased employment opportunities.
Other campaign commitments they placed under scrutiny included the proposed Women’s Development Bank, the Adwumawura programme, which they said was intended to support 10,000 businesses, and the pledge to abolish the double-track system in senior high schools.
The group also raised concerns about jobs created under the previous administration which, they alleged, were terminated after the change of government.
Freedom of expression
The protesters further expressed concern over the arrest and prosecution of social media commentators and other citizens over alleged offensive or threatening statements.
They called for the law to be applied consistently, arguing that citizens should be able to express views critical of the government without intimidation.
The group also raised concerns over recent reports of suspected cocaine trafficking from Ghana, saying such developments could affect the country’s international reputation.
Organiser Kwasi Obeng-Fosu had earlier told Asaase Radio that the demonstration would also focus on education, job creation, support for women-owned businesses, and the automatic posting of newly qualified teachers and nurses.
The organisers stressed that their objective was to demand evidence of implementation rather than simply criticise the government.
They said the demonstration marked the beginning of a broader diaspora-led accountability campaign and indicated that a petition would be presented to Ghanaian representatives in the United States.
The group said it would subsequently monitor the government’s response and document progress on the issues and campaign commitments raised.
