The Generational Rights Protection Society is intensifying pressure on the government to take decisive action against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to devastate communities and the environment.
Led by prominent media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, the protest seeks to amplify public frustration over the government’s handling of the crisis and advocate for a more aggressive, sustained response.
Protesters, predominantly clad in red and black, gathered at the Obra Spot at Circle to begin their march towards the Jubilee House. Chanting slogans and wielding placards with messages such as “Blood, Gold, Greed!” and “Stop Galamsey Now!”, the demonstrators exhibited high energy and determination.
One protester cited the lack of clean drinking water in her community as a major reason for joining the march.
“I joined this demonstration because there is no potable water where I work. Galamsey must stop,” she said.
Addressing the gathering, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah criticised what he described as the slow pace of government intervention. He acknowledged that the President has been in office for only four months but argued that this should not excuse the ongoing environmental destruction and public health crises caused by illegal mining.
“When President Mahama came in, within the same four-month period, he was able to send a bill to Parliament to establish a Gold Board,” he pointed out.
He further accused the current administration of prioritising self-serving initiatives over urgent national needs.
“When the current President assumed office, he swiftly took steps that benefited himself and his government. It’s all about the scale of preferences and priorities,” Mr. Afrifa-Mensah said.
The demonstration underscores a growing national demand for immediate and decisive action to tackle the galamsey menace, which continues to threaten Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and public health.
