Acording to an AP Worldstream report of 11 January 1996, students at three Ghanaian universities, including the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, held several demonstrations during 1995-96.The students were reportedly angry at the closure of their universities following a nine-month strike by university professors (ibid.). The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTGA) allegedly called the strike following a dispute with the government over salary increases.

An 8 January 1996 AFP report stated that one person died and seven others were injured during the demonstrations. The report further stated that 12 people, including four students, were arrested for questioning but were "granted police enquiry bail" (ibid.).

The government apparently ordered the universities to reopen on 6 December 1995, but the UTGA refused, claiming that the government's offer was insufficient (ibid.). However, the professors agreed to call off the strike at the beginning of the year (AP Worldstream 11 Jan. 1996).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

AP Worldstream. 11 January 1996. "Ghana." International News.

(NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AP). 8 January 1996. "One Dead, Seven Injured as Police and Students Clash." (NEXIS)

Deutsche Presse-Agentur. 4 January 1996. BC Cycle. "University Students Demand Resumption of Academic Work." (NEXIS)

AP Worldstream. 11 January 1996. "Ghana." International News.

(NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AP). 8 January 1996. "One Dead, Seven Injured as Police and Students Clash." (NEXIS)

Deutsche Presse-Agentur. 4 January 1996. BC Cycle. "University Students Demand Resumption of Academic Work." (NEXIS)