Protesters Demand Immediate Release of Arrested Democracy Hub Members Amid Calls for Action Against Galamsey
A three-day protest in Ghana has captured national attention as demonstrators demand the immediate release of 53 members of the Democracy Hub, who were arrested during a previous anti-galamsey demonstration. The protest has evolved into a broader outcry against the environmental and health crises associated with illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey.
Participants, many adorned in red and black, rallied passionately, highlighting the devastating impact of galamsey on the country’s water bodies and ecosystems. The protesters carried a range of placards and banners, emphasizing the urgent need for action against illegal mining practices and advocating for the release of the detained activists. The use of red and black attire symbolized both mourning for the environmental destruction and frustration over governmental inaction.
One protester, expressing deep concern for public health, criticized the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in galamsey operations. “The effects are evident in our children, including those yet unborn,” he stated. “Maternal mortality rates have surged, and infants are experiencing developmental issues as a direct result of these activities.”
The protester’s remarks extended to the arrests of fellow demonstrators, challenging the rationale behind silencing those fighting for environmental justice. “We are gathered today under the banners of #StopGalamseyNow and #FreeTheCitizens, fighting for a worthy cause. It is galamsey that should be eradicated, not our future,” he asserted.
Another protester emphasized the critical importance of water as a fundamental human necessity. “Water is essential for life; you can survive without food, but not without water,” he remarked. He further criticized political priorities, questioning the value of economic policies when basic needs, such as access to clean drinking water, remain unmet.
The atmosphere of discontent prompted inquiries regarding the fairness of the legal system. “What kind of democracy allows for the arrest of peaceful protesters while real criminals operate unimpeded?” one participant lamented.
In response to the protests, Isaac Wilberforce Mensah, spokesperson for the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, accepted a petition from the #FreeTheCitizens and #StopGalamsey demonstrators at the Accra Sports Stadium assuring the crowd that their concerns would be addressed.
As the protests continue, the escalating tensions around galamsey underscore a critical intersection of environmental degradation, public health, and civic rights in Ghana, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policy action.
Day two of the protest continues today.
