A Ghanaian pressure group, Democracy Hub, defied a court injunction and took to the streets on September 21, 2024, to protest against illegal mining, commonly known as “Galamsey.” The group had planned a three-day demonstration from September 21st to 23rd, but an Accra High Court issued an injunction on September 18, prohibiting the protest at Revolutionary Square near the Jubilee House.
Undeterred, the Democracy Hub proceeded with their “Stop Galamsey Now” protest, gathering at the 37 Roundabout in Accra. The police, in an attempt to prevent the march toward the presidency, blocked key roads leading to the Jubilee House, where the demonstrators aimed to send a message to the president, urging immediate action to combat the Galamsey crisis.
Despite the heavy police presence and roadblocks, the protesters peacefully assembled, with organizers advising participants to avoid confrontation and comply with any arrests. After hours of failed negotiations with the police, the demonstrators pivoted, playing football at the 37 Military Hospital roundabout to symbolically continue their protest.
The protest remained peaceful throughout, although the demonstrators were unable to march toward their intended destination. Democracy Hub’s action highlighted the ongoing public outcry over the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining in Ghana.
Report by report Dede Davies