Fuel prices had climbed, food was more expensive every week and the cedi was falling. In June 2022, frustration over the cost of living brought hundreds of protesters onto the streets of Accra under the banner of Arise Ghana. The march was meant to deliver a message to the government. By the end of the first day, it had turned into clashes with police, with tear gas, arrests and injuries on both sides.
The economy, the E-levy and the march
In 2022, Ghana faced rising inflation, a sharp fall in the cedi and growing debt problems. Fuel and food prices rose quickly. The electronic transfer levy, introduced in 2022, added to public anger, especially among mobile money users. Arise Ghana was a group of activists and citizens who organised the demonstrations. Critics linked it to the opposition, which organisers denied.
The protest began in Accra with a planned route towards government offices.
Clashes, the IMF and the courts
Disagreements over the route led to confrontations between protesters and police. Police used tear gas and arrested protesters. Both protesters and police officers were reported injured. The second day of the protest passed more peacefully. The clashes sparked debate about policing, the right to demonstrate and the responsibilities of organisers. Within days, Ghana announced it would seek an IMF programme, reflecting the depth of the economic crisis.
The protest followed earlier movements such as #FixTheCountry in 2021. Some of those arrested were charged and later appeared in court. The events showed rising public frustration over the economy ahead of the 2024 elections.
Fuel prices, social media and the official view
Rising fuel prices fed through to transport fares and food prices, hitting ordinary families hard. Commercial drivers threatened strikes over fares, and many workers said their salaries could no longer cover basic needs. The protest was organised and promoted largely through social media, where hashtags trended for days. Government officials said the economic problems were caused largely by global factors, including the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Police said protesters had deviated from the agreed route, a claim organisers disputed. Arise Ghana marched to complain about prices. Within days, the government was asking the IMF for help, which confirmed that the protesters had not exaggerated how bad things were.
