A three-day #StopGalamseyNow and #FreeTheCitizens demonstration was organized by a youth-led group known as Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, advocating against the devastating impact of illegal mining activities.
The demonstration commenced on October 3, 2024, as the group marched with a contingent of concerned Ghanaians from Legon, Okponglo in Accra to the Accra Sports Stadium.
There, several individuals were given the platform to voice their concerns regarding the harmful impacts of galamsey and to call for the release of arrested protestors from the Democracy Hub protest, which also aimed to end illegal mining in the country.
The organizers of the protest had previously made it clear that the demonstration was not affiliated with any political party but consisted of concerned citizens unhappy with the arrest of fellow protestors and the deteriorating state of Ghana’s natural resources.
This message, however, was lost on one gentleman among the protestors.
Taking the microphone, he infuriated the audience by launching into a campaign for Alan Kyerematen, the flagbearer of the Afrafranto political party.
“Let me take this opportunity. Is there anybody celebrating their birthday here?… Well, there is a leader, a person who has done great things for the youth of this country, especially those who have been incarcerated. For your information, Honourable Alan Kojo Kyerematen paid for the legal fees of your fellow colleagues that have been incarcerated. He has been feeding them since they were remanded in police custody…”
The protestor however did not complete his remarks when the crowd began chanting, “Away… away… away!” along with clapping, indicating they were not interested in what he was saying and did not support it.
This reaction from the audience denied him the opportunity to continue with his remarks and had to shamefully step down.
Watch the full video below: