VIDEO: ‘FreeTheCitizens’ and ‘SayNoToGalamsey’demo rocks Accra

The three-day protest against the arrest of some Democracy Hub members and the fight against galamsey has started with over five thousand police officers deployed to ensure a peaceful protest.

There is heavy police presence in every corner of the city as the protest gathers momentum.

Leaders of the protest say they are expecting not less than three thousand citizens to join.

The demonstration started at Okponglo near the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and proceeded through several key points in the city, including the Kanda Highway, Ridge Hospital, and Parliament House, before ending at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The protest, organized under the slogans “FreeTheCitizens” and “SayNoToGalamsey,” is expected to draw thousands of participants. It aims not only to demand the release of the detained activists but also to address the broader issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, which has devastated Ghana’s environment. Organizers have outlined a detailed schedule of activities for the three-day event, which includes the submission of petitions to the Attorney-General, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Parliament.

 

“Day 1 will see us submit a petition to the Office of the Attorney-General to demand the release of our brothers and sisters remanded in police custody,” said one of the organizers.

The second day will focus on a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, calling for stronger action to end galamsey. On the final day, protesters plan to submit a petition to Parliament, urging lawmakers to pass legislation that bans illegal mining practices.

The protest is scheduled to end with a vigil at Independence Square, where the organizers hope to be joined by the released detainees. “We want to celebrate their sacrifices for a better Ghana,” the group said in a statement.

This protest comes after a recent demonstration against galamsey and government mismanagement, which ended in violence and the arrest of protesters. Despite this, the activists remain resolute. “This is not just our fight,” said one of the organizers. “It is a fight for our future, our children, and our nation.”

 

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