Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has emphasized that members of the Democracy Hub who engaged in a protest against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, “must be held accountable and face the full rigours of the law in our courts.”
Mustapha’s comments follow a recent demonstration by the group, urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take swift and decisive action to halt illegal mining operations and protect the nation’s water bodies and forests.
The protest, staged last Saturday, was initially intended to be peaceful, but tensions escalated when some demonstrators clashed with the Ghana Police Service. According to the police, the protesters blocked roads, dismantled police barriers, and obstructed traffic during their demonstration at the 37 Roundabout in Accra. These actions led to the arrest of over 40 protesters, sparking widespread public debate about the handling of the protest and the actions of the demonstrators.
Illegal mining, or galamsey, has been a persistent issue in Ghana, causing severe environmental degradation, particularly to the country’s rivers and forests. The protesters had hoped to draw attention to the ongoing environmental destruction and press the government to take more concrete measures to combat the issue. However, the clashes with police overshadowed their initial message, raising concerns about the conduct of both the protesters and the police during the demonstration.
On Tuesday, September 24, the court remanded 39 of the arrested protesters into police custody for two weeks, pending further investigations. The following day, September 25, an additional 11 protesters were also remanded into custody, bringing the total number of detained individuals to 50. The remand of the protesters has sparked controversy, with some arguing that their fundamental rights to protest were violated, while others maintain that the law must be upheld in such situations.
Salam Mustapha, in a statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the NPP’s national youth wing, expressed his firm stance on the matter. He stressed that law and order are essential to maintaining the peace and security of the nation, and those who violate these principles should be held accountable for their actions. “Law and order are fundamental to the peace and security of our nation, and those who violate these principles should not be exempt from justice,” Mustapha stated.
He further called on all law-abiding and peace-loving citizens to support the efforts of the police in prosecuting those involved in what he described as “criminal activities.” Mustapha’s comments reflect a broader concern within the NPP and its supporters about maintaining stability and order in the face of protests and demonstrations that could potentially disrupt public safety. “In this regard, we call upon all law-abiding and peace-loving citizens to support the police in their efforts to prosecute those involved in these criminal activities,” he urged.
The NPP’s National Youth Organiser also emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, noting that failure to do so could undermine the foundations of Ghana’s democracy. “It is crucial that we collectively uphold the rule of law and condemn such unruly behaviour, as it threatens the very foundation of our democracy,” Mustapha added. His statement underscores the party’s position on the need to ensure that protests are conducted within the confines of the law, and that those who engage in unlawful activities are appropriately dealt with by the justice system.
The recent events surrounding the Democracy Hub protest have ignited a wider conversation about the balance between the right to peaceful protest and the need to maintain public order. While the right to protest is enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution, the manner in which such protests are conducted has been a point of contention. The Ghana Police Service has faced criticism from some quarters for its handling of the situation, with accusations of excessive force and violations of the protesters’ rights. However, the police maintain that their actions were necessary to restore order and prevent further disruption.
The issue of illegal mining remains a deeply divisive topic in Ghana. Despite several government initiatives aimed at curbing the practice, galamsey continues to thrive in many parts of the country, driven by high demand for gold and other minerals. The environmental impact has been devastating, with rivers such as the Pra and Ankobra being heavily polluted, making it difficult for communities to access clean water. Forest reserves have also been destroyed, leading to the loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
The protesters’ demands for more urgent action on illegal mining resonate with many Ghanaians who are concerned about the long-term consequences of galamsey. Environmentalists, civil society organizations, and local communities have all called for stronger enforcement of mining regulations and tougher penalties for those involved in illegal activities. However, achieving a balance between environmental protection and the economic interests of those involved in mining has proven challenging for successive governments.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings against the Democracy Hub protesters will progress. The NPP, through its youth wing, has made it clear that they stand firmly behind the police and the justice system in ensuring that those responsible for any unlawful actions are held accountable. At the same time, the public debate over the right to protest and the need for stricter enforcement of the law continues to rage, reflecting the complexities of governance in a democratic society.
