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A group of Ghanaians gathered at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York on Wednesday to demand the immediate release of protesters from the Democracy Hub who were remanded following a demonstration against illegal mining.
The protest, held in Accra on September 21, 2024, aimed to pressure President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take swift action against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has been devastating the nation’s water bodies and forests.
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While the demonstration was intended to be peaceful, it turned violent when some protesters clashed with the police. The Ghana Police Service accused the group of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, and causing traffic disruptions at the 37 Roundabout in Accra, leading to the arrest of over 40 demonstrators. On September 24 and 25, a court remanded 50 protesters into police custody for two weeks, sparking further outrage from Ghanaians at home and abroad.
In response, the protesters in New York expressed solidarity with their detained counterparts in Ghana, calling for international intervention to address the illegal mining crisis and human rights concerns. Speaking on behalf of the group, Emmanuel Kumah criticized President Akufo-Addo’s government for allegedly using the police to suppress dissent and arrest peaceful demonstrators. Kumah urged the UN and international media to hold the Ghanaian government accountable, highlighting the protesters’ lack of legal representation and medical care while in detention.
The protest in New York also underscored the growing frustration among Ghanaians over the government’s perceived inaction in curbing illegal mining activities. The demonstrators emphasized the urgent need for concrete measures to restore the country’s natural resources and protect the environment, while demanding that those advocating for these causes should not be silenced or imprisoned.
