President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has addressed the ongoing #StopGalamsey protests, making it clear that he is not responsible for the arrests of protesters by the Ghana Police Service.
The protests, held from October 3 to 5, 2024, were organized by concerned citizens upset about the harmful effects of illegal mining on the country’s water bodies.
In an interview with France 24 TV, President Akufo-Addo explained that the police action against protesters was due to misconduct that could threaten the peace and stability of the nation.
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He emphasized that individuals have the right to express their grievances and demonstrate without interference, despite claims from some that the government is suppressing dissent.
“I’m not responsible for jailing people in Ghana. The courts in Ghana are independent institutions and they have been all through this period of the fourth republic,” Akufo-Addo said.
He highlighted that when individuals misbehave, they are brought before the courts, and it is up to the judicial system to handle these cases, free from political influence.
He added, “Their behavior is what lands them in problems with the police and with the courts. It’s not the protest. How can the president, who himself’s political career was aided by leading protests, have problems with protests? I don’t have problems with protests. And nothing is done in Ghana to prevent people from airing their views on anything.”
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The #StopGalamsey protests have garnered support from religious leaders, political figures, and various state institutions, all calling for urgent action to address the galamsey issue.
Many in Ghana are concerned about the environmental impact of illegal mining and are demanding that the government take stronger measures to protect water bodies and natural resources.
As the situation develops, the Organised Labour has warned that they will go on strike on October 10, 2024, if the government does not respond to the ongoing concerns regarding illegal mining.
Watch the video below to hear President Akufo-Addo’s full statement.
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