Protesters Demand State of Emergency to Combat Galamsey
Accra ,Ghana – September 22,2025 - The Fix the Country Movement has brought an end to its demonstration against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, at the Revolutionary Square in front of the Jubilee House in Accra. Despite concluding the protest, the group remains resolute in its demand for the government to declare a state of emergency to tackle the galamsey menace, which they believe poses an existential threat to Ghana's future.
According to the protesters, galamsey has reached alarming levels, causing irreparable damage to the country's forests, rivers, and farmlands. This destruction has severe implications for food security, access to safe drinking water, and the well-being of future generations. The movement's determination to see change is underscored by their assertion that the legacy of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is being undermined by the country's inability to confront illegal mining.
During the vigil, protesters criticized the government's approach to fighting galamsey, arguing that instead of targeting small-scale operators, authorities should focus on arresting powerful figures named in Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng's galamsey report. This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with the perceived lack of decisive action against the real kingpins behind the galamsey menace.
Galamsey has had a devastating impact on Ghana's environment and economy. The practice has destroyed vast tracts of farmland, threatening food security, and polluted major rivers, affecting millions of Ghanaians who depend on them for drinking water and irrigation. According to the Water Resources Commission, approximately 60% of Ghana's water bodies are now polluted. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has also raised concerns about rising operational costs due to pollution from galamsey, proposing a 280% upward adjustment in water tariffs. The Wilson Centre estimates that galamsey costs Ghana over $2.3 billion annually in lost revenue and illegal smuggling.
The protesters' demand for a state of emergency is not just a call for immediate action but a plea for the government to prioritize the country's survival over political interests. As one protester put it, "The President is becoming a disaster if he doesn’t act fast and hard on galamsey." The Fix the Country Movement's protest highlights the urgent need for collective action to address the galamsey crisis and protect Ghana's natural resources for future generations.
Source – Lead News Online/Jeff Ago
