The 2-day anti-galamsey demonstration by Democracy Hub begins

According to the organisers, the demonstration seeks to pressure President John Dramani Mahama to accelerate efforts and take urgent and decisive action to tackle illegal mining (galamsey). The group argues that galamsey continues to destroy water bodies, farmlands, and livelihoods, threatening the future of more than 30 million Ghanaians and generations yet unborn.

Meanwhile, the Lawyers for Protest Defence (LPD), an independent network of lawyers dedicated to defending free speech and assembly, has pledged legal monitoring and pro bono support during the protest.

On Saturday, September 20, LPD released a statement stating that its volunteer attorneys would be on the protest site to monitor activities, offer legal assistance, and address any rights violations.

The statement emphasised:

Galamsey’s far-reaching and unchecked effects make it the most immediate threat to our lives today and in the future. Therefore, regardless of political allegiance, the struggle against galamsey is a national cause that calls for the unmasked voices of all Ghanaians.

All Ghanaians have an interest in safeguarding our lands, water, and future generations. The Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly and protest, and it is the duty of all institutions to protect that freedom.

In light of this, we humbly remind law enforcement officials of their constitutional obligations to uphold the rule of law, protect rather than suppress, and serve the people whose rights they have pledged to preserve. Furthermore, nonviolent protest is a sign of democracy in action rather than a threat to it.

In closing, Democracy Hub urged the public to respect the protest’s nonviolent nature, emphasising that exercising constitutional rights bolsters democracy and that all citizens have an obligation to defend the liberties of others, even if they disagree with them.