Kentucky Fried Chicken is running a once in a blue moon promotion to celebrate a 15 year franchise anniversary. The only problem is, they’re doing it in West Africa in the country of Ghana where the poverty rate is 22% and the average yearly wage is $2630 USD.
The one-day deal (one piece of chicken, two tenders, and a small fry for GH¢15, roughly equivalent to $1.35 US) ran from 9 AM to 5 PM at locations across Ghana. The event unexpectedly drew massive crowds with no police presence, which resulted in a stampede at multiple locations that nearly developed into riots.
Hungry Ghana citizens arrived as early as 3 AM at some locations to get their hands on the meal containing only three pieces of chicken (reports of four pieces of chicken are, apparently, incorrect). Lines ran into the streets followed by overcrowding and confrontations. Some KFC restaurants suffered property damage as customers tried to force their way inside. Hired security tried to force the crowds back by whipping them with leather belts or spraying them with water hoses.
Police finally intervened to restore order and prevent full blown mob violence. Local media noted with some embarrassment the behavior of Ghana citizens, leading to questions about the state of Ghana’s economy and level of overall poverty.