Prominent lawyer and social media influencer, Ama Governor, has delivered a powerful message in support of the ongoing #FreeTheCitizens protest, which seeks to combat the devastating effects of illegal mining, known as galamsey, and demand government accountability.
In a letter circulating on social media, Ama Governor hailed the resilience of Ghanaian youth for standing up against environmental destruction and political injustice.
“Dear Comrades, when I say ‘Aluta!’ You respond ‘Continua!’ Ghana has never seen a day as great as this 3rd October 2024, where Ghana Youth, in spite of the lines of division planted to subvert the strength in our unity, chooses to pick up camaraderie in marching side-by-side to fight against the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on the health, resources, and well-being of the Ghanaian people,” she wrote.
Ama Governor’s letter highlighted the significance of the protest, calling it a historic moment for Ghana’s youth, as they demand both environmental justice and the release of political prisoners.
“Nkrumah smiles as timidity wails in the face of the resilience demonstrated by this historic and remarkable protest. Today, Ghana Youth arises, and not only recommits to the single began by our foremothers and fathers, but has reignited the long-lost hope of realizing Nkrumah’s Ghana.”
However, the protest, which started peacefully, descended into chaos, leading to the arrest of 53 demonstrators, including prominent activists like Oliver Barker Vormawor, Grace Asantewaa, Felicity Nelson, and Ama Governor herself. Following their arrests, 11 of the detainees, including Ama Governor, were remanded into police custody after appearing before the Accra Circuit Court. They face charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful assembly, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, and assault on a public officer.
Ama Governor, visibly frustrated, voiced her displeasure after being held for over 48 hours without legal representation, food, or water. As she was escorted to the courtroom, she made her sentiments clear: “You want to see a 26-year-old lawyer in handcuffs because she said, ‘Stop Galamsey Now.’ Forty-eight hours, no lawyer, 48 hours, no food, no water. Over 48 hours, you all should be proud. These people are ridiculous. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.”
In the aftermath of the arrests, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, recommended that the prosecution consider bail applications during the next adjournment. “I will also advise the prosecution to consider relevant bail applications made at the next adjourned dates of the cases,” he stated.
However, his statement has been met with criticism. Ghanaian entertainment journalist, Olele Salvador, accused the Attorney-General of attempting to mislead the public. In a post titled “44 Laws of Fanfooling; Chapter 24,” Salvador pointed out that the Attorney-General’s office is leading the prosecution of the detained protesters, questioning why he would now call for bail consideration when his office is handling the case.
A police statement dated September 24, 2024, confirmed that “the case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General,” raising skepticism about the sincerity of the Attorney-General’s comments.
As the #FreeTheCitizens protest continues to draw attention, the voices of young activists like Ama Governor are echoing louder, calling for justice and an end to the illegal mining practices that are devastating the nation’s environment.