Today In History: 27 Years After ‘Kume Preko’ Protest
The largest demonstration in Ghana’s history took place exactly 27 years ago today.
Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr. Charles Wreko Brobbey, Kwasi Pratt Jnr, Dr. Nayarko Tamakloe, Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako, Akoto Ampaw, Victor Newman, Kwaku Opoku, and Napoleon Abdulai were among those who led the demonstration, which was attended by over 100,000 people.
The demonstrations against the then Rawlings administration were fueled by what was referred to as the high cost of living, particularly the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on commodities.
According to stories, it was a time when even the most capable and hardworking folks couldn’t afford one good meal per day for their families.
Furthermore, the rate of dropout in educational institutions was believed to be increasing at an alarming rate.
However, what began as a peaceful rally quickly turned violent as unidentified intruders opened fire on the crowd.
Many people were seriously injured, and others died as a result of the attacks.
Kume Preko was a protest against Ghana’s high cost of living, particularly the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on commodities.
The aftermath of the brutal clash between the ACDRs and the marchers, however, made a lot of people
suffer.
The anguish became magnified for those who lost their husbands.
