Galamsey crisis: Ghanaians protest at UN HQ, demand release of detained protesters

A group of Ghanaians gathered outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York yesterday, calling for the immediate release of protesters from the Democracy Hub who were arrested during a peaceful demonstration against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Accra on September 21.

The protesters, now remanded in police custody, had urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take swift action to halt illegal mining operations and protect Ghana's water bodies and forests.

The demonstration, which turned violent when some protesters clashed with police, resulted in the arrest of over 40 people. The Ghana Police Service accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling police barriers, and obstructing traffic during their demonstration at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.

Emmanuel Kumah, one of the protest leaders, emphasized the need for swift governmental intervention to protect the environment and ensure the safety of communities affected by galamsey .

“We are in solidarity with our brothers who have been arrested for protesting. They are protesting against illegal mining activities that are causing our water bodies to be polluted and poisoned," he stated.

“…What is happening now is when people raise their voices against the water pollution, he [Akufo-Addo] uses the police to arrest them, intimidate them, and as we speak, about 50 of our colleagues are in detention because the president controls the judiciary, he controls the police and people are quiet in the country.

“We cannot let this continue. We want the international media, the United Nations to put the president in order because you cannot hold protesters in prisons as well as police cells without legal representation and medical care," he added.

Source:Lead News Online