Protests in Ghana’s capital have erupted into violent confrontations with police, leading to the arrest of numerous demonstrators, including a minor. This unrest stems from frustrations over illegal mining practices and the ongoing economic crisis in the country.
The three-day protest, organized by the civil advocacy group Democracy Hub, began over the weekend as citizens took to the streets to voice their discontent with the government’s handling of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.” This issue has led to significant environmental damage across Ghana, and demonstrators also expressed their anger regarding the struggling economy as the nation approaches critical elections in December.
On Monday, authorities issued a warrant for Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a leading figure within Democracy Hub, accusing him of tampering with a police vehicle and damaging crash barriers during a skirmish. A video released by the police showed Barker-Vormawor escaping arrest.
Grace Ansah-Akrofi, a spokesperson for the Ghana Police Service, stated that the protesters had gathered unlawfully and clashed with officers attempting to maintain order. “The demonstrators engaged in acts of lawlessness, damaging state property and obstructing traffic,” she commented. “They disrupted the peace, and those responsible will face justice.”
Public anger has been largely fueled by the devastation caused by illegal mining, which has severely impacted Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves. Originally limited to small-scale artisanal operations, galamsey has transformed into an environmental crisis, leading to the contamination of vital rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, with toxic substances like mercury and cyanide.
Ghana is also facing economic hardships, which have intensified as the December elections draw near. Democracy Hub, primarily composed of young activists, has been vocal in demanding increased government accountability concerning environmental and economic issues.
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) recently warned that its water treatment facilities are struggling to keep up with demand due to high pollution levels.
The issue of illegal mining remains a hot topic, with over 392,000 hectares of forest reserves lost to these activities, continuing to spark public debate.
Despite being declared wanted, Barker-Vormawor addressed the police accusations on social media, stating that his legal team was prepared to cooperate with authorities. “I have instructed my lawyers to urgently engage with the Ghana Police Service to seek clarification on which specific police station or office they wish me to report to,” he wrote on Facebook. “I remain committed to the rule of law and expect this engagement to prevent any further attempts to distort the truth.”
Barker-Vormawor is a prominent figure in Ghana’s protest movement, known for organizing demonstrations against government policies and advocating for greater transparency.
While the police maintain that their actions were lawful, Democracy Hub condemned what it described as the “unjustified” use of force against peaceful protesters. “We condemn in the strongest terms this blatant attempt to weaponize the police force against the people of Ghana,” the group stated. “The use of force against unarmed protesters violates the democratic and human rights principles our nation upholds.”
The unrest comes as Ghana gears up for crucial elections in December, with the economy expected to be a central issue in the campaign. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, is set to compete against former President John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in what analysts predict will be a tightly contested race.
Ghana’s economy is still recovering from a financial crisis in 2022 that led to the government defaulting on its external debt. However, there have been recent signs of recovery, aided by a $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) package.
Inflation, which peaked at 54% during the crisis, has decreased to 20.4% in August 2024. Additionally, the country reported a 6.9% economic growth rate in the second quarter of 2024, marking the fastest growth in five years and exceeding analysts’ expectations.
President Nana Akufo-Addo is stepping down after serving two terms, leaving Bawumia to lead the NPP’s efforts to retain power.
