George Twum-Barimah-Adu urges swift action for release of #StopGalamseyNow protesters

Independent presidential candidate George Twum-Barimah-Adu has called on law enforcement and the judiciary to act promptly for the immediate release of demonstrators arrested during the #StopGalamseyNow protest.

While he condemned the acts of destruction associated with the protests, Twum-Barimah-Adu emphasized the importance of understanding the demonstrators' motivations—an urgent concern for the degradation of Ghana's water bodies due to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

"The fight against galamsey is not merely a regional issue; it is a national crisis that affects our environment, public health, the sustainability of our natural resources, and food security," Twum-Barimah-Adu said in a press statement, Friday.

He noted that the demonstrators were exercising their democratic rights, voicing concerns that resonate deeply with all Ghanaians.

Twum-Barimah-Adu urged collective action to combat the harmful effects of illegal mining, underscoring the need for collaboration between citizens, law enforcement, and government.

"Protecting our water bodies is a shared responsibility, and we must unite in addressing this urgent crisis while respecting the rights of those advocating for positive change," he asserted.

In his plea for justice, he highlighted the constitutional rights of those currently in custody, advocating for their release on bail. He called upon Ghanaians to remain engaged and not to adopt a passive stance on this pressing issue, urging everyone to come together on December 7, 2024, for a significant demonstration.

"Let us vote out the two parties responsible for the galamsey crisis in Ghana, who have shown little interest in effectively tackling this issue," he concluded.

The ongoing situation surrounding the #StopGalamseyNow protests has garnered significant attention. Currently, 53 protesters are remanded, with nine individuals incarcerated and the remainder held in police custody.

The prosecution handling the cases has denied allegations of mistreatment, asserting that the detainees are receiving proper care. However, defence lawyers have claimed that their clients are experiencing maltreatment, including a lack of food and medical care.

The case remains contentious, particularly following the remand of Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 other members of the Democracy Hub, who were held in police custody for two weeks for various alleged offences based on their acts during the protest. This brings the total number of individuals charged in connection with the protest disturbances to 53, highlighting the scale of the ongoing situation.

Twum-Barimah-Adu’s statement reflects the growing discontent among citizens regarding illegal mining practices that continue to threaten Ghana's natural resources and the environment.