Abanga Fuseini Yakabu, the National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has described the Yɛgye Yɛ Sika demonstration as the biggest outdoor demonstration in Ghana’s political history, saying it was the first protest he had ever led.
He said the demonstration was also a strong message to President John Mahama that Ghanaians would not allow themselves to be taken for granted, urging the government to sit up and investigate the whereabouts of funds allegedly missing.
Yakabu said the protest was driven by the high cost of living and concerns over unpaid salaries owed to teachers, nurses and other labour groups.
He also accused Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of pocketing GH¢16.4 million in connection with Ghana’s evacuation exercise in South Africa, arguing that the money could have been used to pay cocoa farmers.
“This is the biggest outdoor demonstration in the political history of Ghana. It is also the first demonstration I have ever led. We are sending a clear message to President Mahama that we will not be taken for granted. The government must sit up and find out where the missing funds are.
“Ghanaians are struggling with the high cost of living. Teachers are not being paid, nurses are not being paid, and other labour unions are also complaining about unpaid salaries.
“Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has pocketed Ghc16.4 million in the name of the South Africa evacuation. That money could have been used to pay cocoa farmers who are still waiting for their money,” he said.
