Actor Prince David Osei has called on Ghanaians to refrain from solely blaming the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the devastation caused by illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey.’
These mining activities have drawn international attention due to their detrimental effects on the country’s water bodies, land, and environment.
In a recent social media post dated September 29, 2024, Osei emphasized the need for a united front among Ghanaians to tackle this issue, highlighting that it is not merely the government’s responsibility.
He stated, “The issue of illegal mining is a significant concern that is gaining global attention due to its destructive impact on our water bodies, lands, and the environment. There is a growing consensus that urgent action is needed to combat this menace. Blaming the current administration or specific groups for the problem is not the solution. It is a collective responsibility for all citizens of Ghana to address the root causes, including poverty, greed, corruption, and selfishness,” Osei stated.
Osei urged citizens to transcend political affiliations and collaborate to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources. “We should prioritize combating illegal mining as a national issue and take decisive steps to protect our environment,” he urged, advocating for a unified approach to this critical challenge.
Background
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters were arrested during their demonstration, which took place over the weekend. The arrests followed a three-day protest at the 37 Military Roundabout, where demonstrators raised concerns about illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and economic mismanagement.
On Sunday, 22 September, tensions escalated as a major confrontation occurred between protesters from Democracy Hub and the Ghana Police Service, marking the second day of the demonstrations.
The protesters have been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court. They face five charges: conspiracy to commit crime, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct, breach of public peace, and assault on public officers.