The third day of the ongoing anti-galamsey protest has taken a powerful turn, as well-known figures, including actor and politician John Dumelo and social media influencer Afia Odo, joined the demonstrators. Their presence has boosted the momentum of the protest, which seeks to draw attention to the destructive impact of illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, on the environment.
For the past three days, thousands of Ghanaians have been participating in the protest to voice their concerns about the damage galamsey is inflicting on the country’s natural resources. These demonstrators have been persistent, with many gathering in the streets to make their voices heard, singing, dancing, and chanting slogans aimed at government authorities. Their message is simple but urgent: the illegal mining activities must be stopped to save Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and agricultural land from further degradation.
Organized by the group Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, the protest has drawn in participants from all walks of life, including environmental activists, local farmers, community leaders, and now public figures like Dumelo and Afia Odo. The group has emphasized that their goal is not just to raise awareness but to push for immediate and sustained action from the government. Their demands include stronger enforcement of environmental regulations and the protection of water bodies that have been polluted by illegal mining activities.
John Dumelo, who has long been an advocate for environmental sustainability, took to the streets with the protestors to show his solidarity. He expressed his deep concern about the future of the country if immediate action is not taken to stop galamsey operations. “We are losing our farmlands, our water bodies, and our forests. It’s heartbreaking to see how much damage has been done, and the time for action is now,” Dumelo remarked during the protest. He also urged the government to listen to the cries of the people and take swift measures to address the issue.
Afia Odo, a vocal social media personality and activist, also lent her support to the protest. Known for using her platform to address social issues, Odo took the opportunity to highlight the long-term consequences of illegal mining, particularly for future generations. “We can’t keep destroying our land for short-term gains. If we don’t take action now, the damage will be irreversible, and our children will suffer the most,” she said, urging the youth of Ghana to be more involved in the fight against galamsey.
The Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, the group behind the protest, was formed in response to the increasing devastation caused by illegal mining. Over the years, galamsey operations have not only destroyed large areas of forest land but have also polluted major rivers and water bodies, rendering them unsafe for drinking or farming purposes. The group has repeatedly called on the government to take a more aggressive stance against galamsey operators and to protect the country’s environmental resources from further destruction.
The environmental consequences of galamsey are far-reaching. Rivers such as the Pra and Ankobra, once sources of clean water and livelihoods for many Ghanaians, have been contaminated with toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, used in illegal mining processes. This pollution has not only affected water quality but has also led to the loss of aquatic life, making it difficult for communities that depend on fishing and farming to sustain their livelihoods. In addition to water pollution, the large-scale deforestation caused by galamsey has significantly contributed to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity, further exacerbating the environmental crisis.
Beyond the environmental impact, the social and economic costs of galamsey are equally severe. Many communities have been displaced as a result of the illegal mining activities, with their farmlands taken over by galamsey operators. This has resulted in food insecurity in some areas, as farmers are unable to cultivate crops on the contaminated or destroyed land. Additionally, illegal mining has often been linked to child labor and unsafe working conditions, further complicating the social dynamics in affected regions.
The government, under increasing pressure from environmental groups and citizens, has taken some steps to combat galamsey in recent years. This includes launching Operation Vanguard, a task force aimed at clamping down on illegal mining activities. However, critics argue that these efforts have been insufficient and that more needs to be done to effectively tackle the problem. Many protestors, including those in the ongoing demonstration, believe that stricter enforcement of mining laws and more severe penalties for illegal mining operations are necessary to curb the damage.
The involvement of public figures like Dumelo and Afia Odo has brought greater attention to the ongoing protests and the urgent need for action. Their participation has inspired many others to join the movement, and the pressure on the government to act has intensified. The protestors are hopeful that their continued efforts will lead to meaningful change and that the government will prioritize the protection of the environment over short-term economic gains from illegal mining.
The momentum of the protests shows no signs of slowing down, with many expecting the movement to grow even larger in the coming days. Public figures like John Dumelo and Afia Odo joining the cause have encouraged a surge in participation from various sectors of society. Teachers, students, religious leaders, and even market women have begun showing up to lend their voices to the growing outcry. These diverse groups all share a common goal: safeguarding Ghana’s future from the devastating consequences of galamsey.
The ripple effects of these protests are already being felt, as discussions around illegal mining have taken center stage in national debates. News outlets are covering the protests extensively, highlighting the passion and determination of those involved. Social media platforms have also become a hub for discussions about the issue, with hashtags such as #StopGalamseyNow and #SaveOurLand trending across the country. The increased media attention has put pressure on the government to respond, with many Ghanaians hoping that concrete measures will be announced soon.
Several government officials have acknowledged the growing calls for action. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which oversees mining activities in the country, has released statements emphasizing their commitment to fighting illegal mining. However, protestors argue that words are no longer enough—what is needed are clear, enforceable actions. Many are demanding that the government intensify its clampdown on galamsey operations, prosecute those involved, and ensure that the laws are upheld without fear or favor.
The role of the youth in these protests cannot be overlooked. Many young Ghanaians have taken to the streets, recognizing that the fight against galamsey is also a fight for their future. The damage caused by illegal mining threatens to rob future generations of essential resources like clean water, fertile land, and biodiversity. Young protestors, in particular, have emphasized that the environmental crisis will affect their ability to thrive in the years to come. As one young participant stated, “If we don’t fight this battle now, we will have nothing left for our children. It’s our responsibility to protect what’s left of our land.”
The demonstrations have not been without challenges. Police have been deployed to manage the crowds and maintain order, and while the protests have largely remained peaceful, there have been a few isolated confrontations between protestors and law enforcement. In some instances, tear gas has been used to disperse crowds, raising concerns about the potential for violence if tensions escalate. However, leaders of the protest, including members of Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, have repeatedly called for peaceful demonstrations and encouraged protestors to remain non-violent in their pursuit of justice.
Despite these challenges, the resolve of the protestors remains unshaken. Each day of the protest has seen more people coming out to join the cause, and it is clear that the movement is gaining strength. With the continued involvement of high-profile figures like John Dumelo and Afia Odo, as well as the growing participation of ordinary citizens, the protests are likely to maintain their momentum in the days ahead.
The fight against galamsey is not just about addressing illegal mining but about safeguarding the future of the nation. Ghana is a country rich in natural resources, but these resources must be managed sustainably if they are to benefit future generations. The ongoing protests are a wake-up call to the government and all stakeholders involved, highlighting the urgent need for a collective effort to combat galamsey once and for all.
As the protests continue to unfold, all eyes are on the government to see how it will respond to the mounting pressure. Will there be decisive action to clamp down on illegal mining and protect the environment? Or will the voices of the protestors go unheard, leaving the country to grapple with the devastating consequences of galamsey for years to come?
The message from the protestors is loud and clear: time is running out. The environment cannot wait, and the fight against galamsey must be a national priority. With each passing day, the call for action grows stronger, and the hope is that these protests will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the fight to save Ghana’s environment from irreversible destruction. The protestors remain resolute in their belief that, together, they can bring about the change needed to protect the land for future generations.
