Ghanaians Plan Three-Day Protest Over Illegal Mining and Activist Detentions
Ghanaians are set to stage a three-day protest demanding government action on illegal gold mining and the release of 54 detained activists. The protests, authorized by the Ghanaian police, will start on Thursday and culminate in a vigil on Saturday.
The activists, from the Democracy Hub pressure group, were arrested for demonstrating against illegal mining, which has contaminated rivers, destroyed forests and farmland, and poses severe health risks.
Organizer Joshua Buernortey Boye-Doe emphasized that the protest aims to protect natural resources and ensure a safe future. Opposition leader John Mahama condemned the activists’ arrest as “high-handed” and an abuse of their rights.
Ghana’s economic crisis and inflation have led cocoa producers to sell land to illegal mining outfits, exacerbating environmental damage.
Key points:
- Illegal mining, or “galamsey,” has devastated Ghana’s environment.
- 54 activists were detained for protesting against illegal mining.
- Protests will demand their release and government action.
- Ghana faces economic crisis, inflation, and default on foreign debt.
