Ghana: Protests over US-Ghana military agreement April 17-18 /update 1

Event

Protests are reportedly planned in Kumasi on Tuesday, April 17, and in Tamale on Wednesday, April 18, in response to the  Defense Cooperation Agreement reached between the US and Ghana in March that will give the American military more access to Ghanaian facilities. On Tuesday, a demonstration is expected in the town center of Kumasi from 07:00 (local time) to 12:00. On Wednesday, demonstrations are expected to begin at 08:00 in Jubilee Park and the Central Market in Tamale. Increased security surrounding all demonstrations is to be expected.

Context

A large protest over the defense agreement previously took place in Accra on March 28, drawing around 3500 people. The event went off without major incident and no clashes were reported.

The defense agreement ratified by the Ghanaian parliament will allow the US to deploy troops in the country, give US forces access to Ghanaian runways and other military facilities, import military equipment without tax, and give the US access to Ghanaian radio stations. The deal does not include plans for a new military base in Ghana. In exchange, the US is to provide Ghana USD 20 million in equipment and training for Ghanaian forces. Opponents to the deal fear that the agreement would result in a weakening of Ghana’s security and sovereignty.

Advice

Individuals in Ghana, particularly in Accra and Tamale, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.