Recurring temporary disruptions and minor damage from arson and vandalism during Ghanaian student protests likely in Kumasi

Hundreds of students from Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) yesterday (22 October) staged violent protests involving arson attacks and vandalism at the university's main campus in Kumasi. Media reports indicate that damaged property included over 20 vehicles and motorbikes, streetlights, computer equipment inside university buildings, and glass doors and windows at the reception of KNUST's main administrative block. The protests, led by the Students' Representative Council (SRC), were in response to the detention of 10 students and an alumnus on 19 October by the university's internal security; they were subsequently arrested by the police on charges of holding a vigil, which are banned by the university. The protests followed months of recurring low-level protests since February following a decision by the university to convert some of the all-male halls into mixed ones as part of a new accommodation policy; deteriorating relations between the student body and the university administration, particularly the vice-chancellor, were exacerbated by the failure to consult students. Following the 22 October protests, the university campus was temporarily closed and a curfew imposed, with the support of local law enforcement.

Significance: Students and university alumni are threatening to stage further protests and boycott lectures if the accommodation conversion policy is not reversed. Further student-led protest marches, involving thousands, are likely in the coming days in defiance of the curfew around the university campus but also in Kumasi's central business district (CBD) around the Central Market, close to the Regional Coordinating Council. Street fighting with security forces is very likely, as are roadblocks, increasing the risk of temporary disruption and denial of access to nearby commercial property, lasting up to seven hours. Security forces' response using rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannon is likely to cause elevated death and injury risk to bystanders. Intervention by the Ministry of Education or the announcement of consultations with students by the university would indicate reduced likelihood of violent protests occurring.