Group to embark on another protest against galamsey, arrested protesters

According to the group, their intention to embark on a peaceful protest is to address critical issues happening in the country, particularly against the activities of illegal mining and demand the release of arrested protesters from police custody.

Furthermore, the protest seeks to raise awareness on increasing unconstitutional conducts displayed by state authorities and to demand urgent action to protect Ghana’s environment and uphold the rule of law.

A copy of the notice posted by one of the organisers on X and seen by GhanaWeb outlines the details of the planned protest.

Protesters are expected to converge at Okponglo, where the peaceful protest will begin and end at Independence Square, with proposed dates from October 3 to October 5, 2024.

“In compliance with Section 1 of the Public Order Act, Act 491, we are writing to urgently notify your office of a peaceful protest to be held by concerned citizens.

“This will be a peaceful protest and march to raise awareness about the destruction caused by galamsey (illegal mining) and to demand the release of unlawfully detained protesters. The protest also calls for an end to unconstitutional conduct by state authorities.

“Citizens who exercised their right to protest peacefully against galamsey have been unlawfully arrested and mistreated. Among those arrested were pregnant women, minors, and individuals with critical health conditions. These protesters were denied food, water, legal representation, and medical care for over 48 hours, and have since been remanded without bail for two weeks. This blatant violation of their constitutional rights is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately,” parts of the statement read.

The recent 3-day protest against illegal mining resulted in violence, leading to the arrest and detention of 43 protesters by the police.

The protesters have since been remanded into police and prison custody for two weeks respectively.