Protesters from the Democracy Hub’s Stop Galamsey Now movement made a bold statement in Accra, taking aim at the two major political parties in Ghana—the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The demonstrators, angered by the ongoing illegal mining crisis, or “galamsey,” that has ravaged Ghana’s natural resources, cleared and burned party paraphernalia at the 37 Roundabout.
The protesters accused both the NPP and the NDC of failing to take meaningful action against illegal mining, which has been a major environmental and social issue in the country. Their frustrations were palpable as they tore down banners, flags, and posters representing both parties, condemning what they see as a lack of leadership and accountability. According to the demonstrators, neither party has effectively addressed the galamsey crisis, which continues to cause widespread destruction to water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems across Ghana.
Chants could be heard as the protestors sang one of the campaign songs associated with the ruling NPP, signaling their dissatisfaction with the party that currently holds power. For many, the burning of the party paraphernalia was a symbolic gesture to show that the two political giants in Ghana, despite their differences, have both failed the nation in tackling illegal mining.
The galamsey problem has plagued Ghana for years, with successive governments struggling to regulate the mining sector effectively. The environmental consequences of illegal mining are severe, leading to the pollution of rivers, loss of arable land, and damage to biodiversity. Despite various interventions by the government, including crackdowns on illegal miners and attempts to reform the mining sector, the issue persists, causing public outrage.
The protest at the 37 Roundabout in Accra was part of a larger campaign led by the Democracy Hub, which has been vocal about the need for urgent reforms to address the galamsey crisis. Their Stop Galamsey Now movement has garnered support from various environmental activists, civil society groups, and concerned citizens who believe that more aggressive action is needed to protect the environment.
The demonstrators, however, were met with warnings from the Ghana Police Service, who urged them to remain peaceful during the protest. In a statement posted on the official X handle of the Ghana Police, authorities expressed concern that the protest was becoming increasingly volatile, stating, “They are demonstrating their clear intention to be violent. We urge them to stop this.” The police emphasized the need for the protesters to exercise their rights without resorting to destruction or violence.
The protest, while peaceful in its early stages, became heated as emotions ran high. Many protesters feel that illegal mining has been allowed to thrive under the watch of both major political parties, with accusations of corruption and complicity being leveled at political leaders. For the demonstrators, the burning of party symbols represented their loss of faith in the traditional political system to solve the pressing environmental crisis facing the country.
Despite the police warnings, the protest continued as demonstrators stood their ground, expressing their determination to hold political leaders accountable for their perceived inaction. The Stop Galamsey Now movement has vowed to intensify its protests if concrete steps are not taken to address illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
The protest highlights the growing frustration among Ghanaians, especially young people, who are increasingly concerned about the future of the country’s environment. With rivers drying up and farmlands being destroyed due to galamsey, many see the government’s failure to act as a betrayal of the nation’s long-term interests.
As the protest at 37 Roundabout unfolded, social media was flooded with reactions, with many Ghanaians expressing solidarity with the movement. Hashtags like #StopGalamseyNow and #ProtectOurEnvironment began trending, reflecting the widespread anger over the continued devastation caused by illegal mining.
While the police managed to maintain order at the protest, the tensions between the protesters and law enforcement were evident. The demonstrators insisted that their actions were a necessary response to what they view as years of government inaction and broken promises. For them, the galamsey crisis is not just an environmental issue—it is a matter of justice and accountability.
Moving forward, the Stop Galamsey Now movement is likely to continue its campaign, pushing for stronger laws and enforcement to end illegal mining. Many believe that only through sustained pressure will the government take the bold steps needed to combat galamsey and restore Ghana’s natural environment.
The protest at the 37 Roundabout serves as a reminder that the fight against galamsey is far from over. For the protesters, burning the symbols of the NPP and NDC was not just an act of defiance but a call to action—a demand that Ghana’s leaders prioritize the environment and the well-being of its citizens over political interests. As the country grapples with the ongoing illegal mining crisis, it is clear that the people are ready to hold those in power accountable for the future of Ghana’s environment.
