Senior Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Kofi Bentil, says there is a tendency among Ghanaian youth to protest violently, citing recent events in Kenya as an example.

He stressed that the government's response plays a critical role in shaping such behaviours. The protests in Kenya were sparked by proposed tax hikes amid rising living costs, resulting in numerous arrests by police.

Civil society groups reported at least 283 detentions and over 20 deaths since the demonstrations began on June 25, with citizens strongly opposing the planned increases.

The government amended the controversial bill following widespread public outcry and demonstrations outside parliament. The amendments included suspending a 16% VAT on bread and a 2.5% tax on motor vehicles, according to a statement from Kenya’s presidency.

Speaking on the JoyNews News File, Kofi Bentil said “Ghana or our government has actually been one of the better examples, but we should not gloss over the issue that this thing can happen to here. Rawlings is an example here. Nobody knew him till he burst out and took over the whole country.”

Mr Bentil pointed out that Ghana has been fortunate to avoid certain challenges in the past but stressed the importance of acknowledging the changing circumstances. He highlighted that there is now an entire generation that has not lived under military rule and urged parliament to make informed decisions accordingly.

“Let me tell you what we can do. The next parliament must elect DCEs. The next parliament must cancel the law that allows ministers to be taken out of parliament, which breeds too much corruption. The next parliament must make sure that they do a constitutional review, working with the executive. The next parliament must repeal Article 71, and all of them must stop taking ex gratia. We are driving this country to the point where the youth have no option.

“The warnings should be heeded. However, the people sounding the warning, be careful what you pray for” he added.