Two more protesters from the Democracy Hub were arrested on Monday, September 23, 2024, during the ongoing protests in Ghana. The protesters, who were standing near the 37 Lorry Station, boldly stepped forward to voice their concerns about illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” and were immediately taken into custody.

Their placards carried strong messages opposing galamsey, which has become a central issue driving the protests. One of the protesters declared, “You can arrest more of us, but even if only two of us remain, we will stand up against illegal mining.” This act of defiance led to their immediate arrest, bringing the total number of detained protesters to 44 over the three days.

Key Issues Driving the Protests:

– Illegal Mining (Galamsey): Environmental degradation and destruction of water bodies
– Economic Crisis: Rising cost of living
– Government Inaction: Demand for urgent government action to address these issues

The protests, which initially targeted the rising cost of living and economic crisis, shifted focus to galamsey due to its devastating impact on the environment. Despite the arrests, protesters vow to continue their demonstrations, arguing that the crackdown only strengthens their resolve.

The protests have gained significant public attention, with many calling for government intervention to protect natural resources and uphold the rule of law in the fight against galamsey. Ghana, a country with a history of decolonization efforts and Pan-African movement, is now witnessing a growing demand for environmental protection and government accountability.