Street protest against ‘galamsey’ enters day 3 with more numbers

The third day of an anti-galamsey protest in Accra on Saturday saw an increased number of protesters.

Actor and politician John Dumelo and social media influencer Efia Odo, joined the demonstrators.

Organised by the pressure group Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, the protest seeks to highlight the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

The protest, which aims to draw attention to the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on the environment, has been ongoing for the past three days.

The protest is also to call for the release some members of the Democracy Hub protest group arrested for various offences during a similar protest two weeks ago.

They urged the government to take decisive steps against illegal mining commonly known as "galamsey.”

“We are here because illegal mining is destroying our environment, and it’s time for us to speak up,” said John Dumelo, addressing the press during the protest. 

“The government needs to act, and the voices of these brave protesters cannot be silenced.”, he stressed.

He stressed that “Nana Addo is giving that kind of I don't care vibe, i don't think that is the kind of legacy he wants to live. I mean he has less then two months and i don't think he wants to leave that kind of legacy which is the galamsey. What we are saying is that the government of the day should do something galamsey because you and i we will start importing water soon which is bad".

Ghana has struggled for years to curb illegal mining, which has had devastating environmental impacts, including the contamination of water sources and the destruction of agricultural land. 

Galamsey activities have also been linked to health risks for communities in affected areas. Despite government crackdowns, illegal mining remains rampant, fueling growing frustration among citizens who believe that influential individuals may be protecting illegal miners.

Protesters, many of whom were dressed in red to symbolise their anger, marched through the streets of Accra, singing, dancing, and waving placards with messages such as "Stop Galamsey Now" and "Free Our Activists." 

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