Police, organisers agree on routes for 3-Day #StopGalamsey, #FreeTheCitizens protest

Organisers of the upcoming three-day demonstration to demand the release of some persons recently arrested following an anti-galamsey protest say they have arrived at an agreement with the police.

According to a statement issued on Monday, October 30, 2024, the organisers said the two parties, following a successful meeting on Monday, agreed on various aspects of the protest, including date, time, location of assembly, and routes.

“Following a smooth and constructive meeting with the Ghana Police Service, organisers are pleased to announce the agreed route and schedule for the upcoming peaceful demonstration. The police have assured their full cooperation, reiterating that the police are only present to ensure peace, law, and order and have tasked us to make sure protestors comply with the public order and safety act.

The demonstration will take place from Thursday, October 3, to Saturday, October 5, 2024, with participants gathering at 6 am and the march beginning at 9 am daily. The agreed route is as follows:

Legon Stadium - Okponglo Traffic Light - Shiashie/Standard Board Traffic Light - Shangri La - Airport Traffic Light - Association International School - National Service Secretariat - Castle Kawukudi - Kanda Highway - Accra High School Junction - Electoral Commission Office - Ridge - Ridge Hospital - AU Roundabout - Parliament - Osu Cemetery - Accra Sports Stadium - Independence Square,” the statement said.

According to the organisers, activities for the three-day protest will include the presentation of petitions to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and the Parliament of Ghana, making specific demands.

“Activity schedule for the days are as follows:

DAY 1: SUBMIT A PETITION TO THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO DEMAND THE RELEASE OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS REMANDED IN POLICE CUSTODY.

DAY 2: SUBMIT A PETITION TO THE MINISTER OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PUT AN END TO THE GALAMSEY MENACE THAT IS DESTROYING OUR WATER BODIES AND OUR LIVES.

DAY 3: SUBMIT A PETITION TO THE PARLIAMENT OF GHANA, DEMANDING THAT THEY PASS A BILL TO PUT A BAN ON ILLEGAL MINING PRACTICE AND ALL OTHER RELATED ISSUES.

We will hold the vigil on Day 3 at Independence Square, hopefully with our released brothers and sisters showing solidarity for their sacrifices in ensuring a better Ghana for us all,” the organisers said.

“Dispersal is scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday and Friday, while a vigil on Saturday will conclude at 12 midnight,” the group added.

The organisers urged all Ghanaians to join the “demand for justice and accountability.”

Themed #StopGalamsey and #OccupyJulorbiHouse, a recent protest organised by Democracy Hub sought to demand the cessation of galamsey activities in the country and to protest against bad governance and economic hardships.

The three-day protest was, however, cut short when day 2 of the protest was marred by violence, leading to the arrest of the protesters.

Protesters removed police blockades, burned party paraphernalia, and took keys from a police van in an attempt to prevent the police from towing their food truck.

The police have charged some arrested protesters with committing unlawful acts and breaching public peace, with the court remanding them for 2 weeks.