Accra, Ghana
Thousands of Ghanaian youth and activists have taken to the streets as part of a three-day protest, demanding an end to illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” and the release of 53 protesters who were arrested during an earlier demonstration. The hashtags #FreeTheCitizens and #StopGalamsey have dominated social media, amplifying the calls for environmental justice and political accountability.
The protest, which began on October 3, 2024, is organized by the Democracy Hub and spans key locations in Accra, starting from Okponglo Traffic Light to Independence Square. Participants are urging the government to take decisive action against galamsey, which has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests. The demonstrators are also calling for the release of individuals arrested during the September 21 protest, as their detention has sparked widespread outrage.
Galamsey has led to the contamination of major water sources, with reports from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) indicating that over 60% of the country’s water bodies are polluted, contributing to severe water shortages.
In solidarity with the protest, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and other influential voices have joined the movement online, urging Ghanaians to stand firm against illegal mining. The protests have drawn attention not only to the environmental destruction but also to the government’s slow response in tackling the crisis.
As the demonstrations continue, there is growing pressure on the government to enact stricter measures, including the deployment of security forces to mining areas and the cancellation of illegal mining permits.
Social Media Campaign
Online, the hashtags #FreeTheCitizens and #StopGalamsey have gained traction, with Ghanaians from all over the world expressing their support. Social media platforms like Twitter (X) and Facebook have been used to share protest images, personal testimonies, and rallying cries for justice. The protestors hope their collective voice will prompt immediate government intervention.
This is a developing story as the protests are set to last until October 5, 2024.
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