The Ghana Police Service has affirmed its commitment to ensuring security for a three-day protest scheduled to take place in Accra, starting Thursday, October 3, and concluding Saturday, October 5.
Organized by the group “Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey,” the demonstration aims to raise awareness and advocate for an end to illegal mining, locally referred to as “galamsey,” which has severely impacted Ghana’s water bodies, agricultural land, and forests.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 2, the police detailed the approved routes for the peaceful protest. Demonstrators are set to gather at Okponglo, close to the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, and will march each day to Independence Square.
The march will pass several significant locations, including the Okponglo Traffic Light, Shiashie, Airport Traffic Light, Kawukudi Traffic Intersection, Kanda Highway, the Electoral Commission Office, Ridge Hospital, Parliament House, Osu Cemetery, and will conclude at the car park of the Accra Sports Stadium.
“After an engagement with the organisers, the agreed routes for the demonstration shall begin from Okponglo, near the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, as their converging point, through the Okponglo Traffic Light, towards Shiashie/Standard Authority Traffic Light, through Shangrila to Airport Traffic Light and turn right to Association International School, through the National Service Secretariat and merge onto Kawukudi Traffic Intersection, through Kanda Highway to Accra High School Junction, through the Electoral Commission Office, Ridge to Ridge Hospital, through the AU Roundabout to the Parliament House, through Osu Cemetery, and finally end at the Accra Sports Stadium car park,” the statement read.
The police reminded the organisers of their responsibilities under the Public Order Act. “The organisers were also reminded of Police responsibilities under the Public Order Act, which include taking all such steps reasonably necessary during the demonstration as follows: to assist in the proper conduct of any special event by directing the routes of such event to prevent obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.”
Additionally, the police emphasised the need for maintaining order during the demonstration. “Any person taking part in the demonstration shall obey the directions of the Police safeguarding the proper movement of other persons and vehicles and generally maintain order,” the statement added, warning that participants could face consequences if disruptions occur.
This protest follows closely on the heels of another demonstration organized by Democracy Hub, which escalated into violence, resulting in clashes with police and the arrest of 54 participants. Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, continues to be a major concern for Ghana. Despite the efforts of various governments, the issue remains unresolved, particularly under the current administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Galamsey has caused significant damage to essential natural resources, including water bodies and agricultural land, while also posing serious health risks.
Medical professionals and researchers have expressed concerns about the contamination of water sources by heavy metals, which can lead to severe health issues, such as birth defects. Additionally, the Ghana Water Company has faced challenges in providing clean water due to the pollution and turbidity affecting the nation’s water supplies.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that adequate security measures are in place to maintain law and order during the protest and afterwards, emphasizing the need for peace while exercising the right to protest.