The Ghanaian High Commissioner to Kenya, Damptey Bediako Asare, has issued a cautionary advisory to Ghanaians considering travel to Kenya due to escalating protests in the East African nation.
The ongoing demonstrations, dubbed “7 Days of Rage,” have erupted in response to a contentious finance bill proposing new tax increases.
Initially peaceful, the protests turned violent on Tuesday as clashes broke out between security forces and protesters.
The unrest saw state properties vandalized and the Parliament building in Nairobi come under attack. Kenya, a favored destination for Ghanaian tourists and business owners exploring opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is currently facing significant turmoil.
I saw police shoot dead unarmed young men in front of Kenya’s parliament. My final thoughts on a deadly day of protests pic.twitter.com/DUpglsMMcB
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) June 25, 2024
In a recent statement, the High Commissioner advised Ghanaians in Kenya to stay informed and updated with the latest developments from both local and international news sources.
“If you are in Kenya, it is advisable to avoid protest areas and stay abreast of the situation,” he said. For those planning to travel to Kenya, he recommended contacting travel agents or airlines for guidance.
This caution comes shortly after Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced the introduction of a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Ghanaians traveling to Kenya, which aimed to facilitate travel between the two countries.
However, given the current security concerns, the High Commissioner emphasized the need for vigilance and prudence.
During the violent clashes, several Ghanaian Members of Parliament were caught in the turmoil.
The legislators, part of the Local Government Committee, were in Kenya’s Parliament when the protests intensified. Video footage filmed by Asuogyaman MP Thomas Ampen Nyarko shows the MPs, including Sylvester Tetteh, Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, and Nii Lante Vanderpuye, being escorted to safety. Anita Quartey-Papafio, a parliamentary clerk, was also part of the delegation.
Despite the upheaval, High Commissioner Damptey assured that no Ghanaian nationals have been harmed.
“There’s no unfortunate incident involving any Ghanaian or any member of the Ghanaian community so far, and no casualties among the Ghanaian community,” he confirmed.
At least 10 dead in fierce protests in Kenya over controversial Finance Bill
The protests have resulted in at least ten fatalities as police and protesters clashed over the finance bill. The bill has sparked widespread anger, particularly among the youth, who argue that the new taxes will disproportionately affect the poorest citizens.
Despite some government concessions, including exempting bread and imported sanitary items from the proposed taxes, the protests continue with increasing intensity.
The ongoing unrest has disrupted businesses and transportation across Kenya, and the sight of ambulances ferrying the injured has become all too common. As the situation evolves, the Ghanaian High Commission continues to monitor the safety of its citizens and provide necessary updates.
For now, Ghanaians are urged to exercise caution, stay informed, and avoid areas of protest to ensure their safety amid the ongoing crisis in Kenya.