Protests began in Accra, Ghana on Thursday, calling for the release of 53 activists who were arrested last week during demonstrations against illegal mining, known as Galamsey.
The protests, which is set to continue till Saturday, was organised to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by galamsey. Illegal mining has polluted water bodies, destroyed farmlands, particularly in cocoa-growing areas, and damaged at least 34 forest reserves across Ghana.
One of the key figures behind the ‘StopGalamseyNow’ movement, Oliver Vormawor, was detained alongside 11 others and will remain in custody until October 8 according to court order. Reports suggest that Vormawor is unwell while in detention.
The protests have also gained momentum on social media, with hashtags like “FreeTheCitizens” and “SayNoToGalamsey” being used to draw attention to the cause. Demonstrators are urging the Ghanaian government to take action against illegal mining and release the detained activists.
Recently, the Organised Labour in Ghana announced a nationwide strike starting on October 10 to persuade the government to address the issue of the Galamsey issue.
Read: Ghana: Organised Labour Declares Nationwide Strike Over Government Inaction On Illegal Mining
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