A three-day protest demanding the immediate release of 53 Democracy Hub members, arrested during a previous anti-galamsey demonstration, has drawn strong emotions from participants.
The protesters are calling for their colleagues’ freedom and raising awareness about the environmental and health crises caused by illegal mining (galamsey).
Their march, filled with passion and urgency, highlights the gravity of the destruction galamsey has brought to Ghana’s water bodies and the broader ecosystem.
Dressed predominantly in red and black, the protesters carried numerous placards and banners, focusing on the issues of illegal mining (galamsey) and demanding the release of the 53 detained activists.
The use of red and black symbolized both mourning for the environmental destruction and anger over the government’s inaction.
One protester, clearly distressed, spoke, lamenting Galamsey’s devastation on health.
“You can see the cost of all the cyanide and chemicals used in galamsey, and the impact is clear on our kids, even the unborn ones.
“Maternal mortality rates have increased, and babies are being affected because they cannot form properly. These are the dire consequences of galamsey on our health and citizens,” he explained.
His frustration extended to the arrest of protesters, questioning why those fighting for the future of the country should be silenced.
“So today we are here for #StopGalamsey Now, #FreeTheCitizens. We are fighting for a good cause. They should destroy galamsey, not our future,” he said angrily.
Another protester underscored the importance of protecting water as a fundamental resource.
“Water is one of the most basic and essential commodities for humans. You can survive without food, but no one can survive without water.”
He questioned the priorities of the political leadership, adding, “I would rather prefer clean water over all the flagship policies that the political parties are putting out there.
“What is a 24-hour economy when we don’t even have clean water to drink? Something as basic as ensuring citizens’ access to clean water is being neglected.”
Another frustrated protester also questioned the fairness of the system, saying, “What kind of democracy is this? They were exercising their civil rights, and they were arrested.
“Meanwhile, the thieves are in their homes resting comfortably, and you are arresting peaceful protesters.”
Source: Emma Ankrah
