Ibrahim Mohammed, known as Kaaka, was a young man from Ejura who used social media to push for better roads and services in his town. He was linked to the #FixTheCountry movement, which demanded government action on Ghana’s problems. In June 2021, he was attacked near his home and later died. His death sparked protests in Ejura, and what happened next shocked the country.
Ejura, Kaaka and the shooting
Ejura is a market town in the Ashanti Region, known for farming and trade. Kaaka had campaigned online about local problems and was associated with activists calling for change. He was attacked in June 2021 and died of his injuries. Many residents believed his activism was the reason.
Young people in Ejura protested his death, demanding justice. Soldiers and police were deployed to the town. Soldiers opened fire on protesters, killing two young men and injuring others.
Outrage, the committee and FixTheCountry
Videos of the shooting spread online, and Ghanaians across the country condemned the use of force. The government set up a committee to investigate the events. It made recommendations, including on the conduct of security forces. Suspects were arrested over Kaaka’s death, and the case went through the courts. The #FixTheCountry movement had organised protests in Accra earlier in 2021, and Ejura became part of its story.
The events raised questions about the right to protest and the use of the military in civilian situations. Families of the victims called for compensation and accountability. Activists marked anniversaries of the events.
Findings, Ejura today and social media
The committee of inquiry found that the security forces had not handled the situation well and recommended changes to how such operations are managed. It also made recommendations about local government officials in the area, and the findings were debated widely in the media. Ejura remains a busy farming and market town, and residents continue to call for the development projects Kaaka campaigned for.
Kaaka’s use of social media to demand change inspired other young Ghanaians to speak up online about local problems. Kaaka wanted his town to have better roads. His death, and the deaths that followed, made Ejura a name Ghanaians use when they talk about the cost of speaking up.
