Rev. Canon Dr. Bansah backs calls for release of Ama Governor amidst galamsey protest arrests

Founder of the Center for Religion and Public Life (CRPL-Ghana), Rev. Canon Dr. Confidence Bansah, has supported the release of lawyer and activist Elorm Ama Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, following her arrest during a Democracy Hub demonstration.

The protest held on September 21, 2024, aimed to address the illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as "galamsey," which continue to wreak havoc on the environment.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rev. Canon Dr. Bansah, who also serves as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Multi-Stakeholder Working Group, expressed concern over the arrest of Ama Governor and other peaceful protesters.

He stated, “It is deeply troubling that those who fight to protect our lands and future generations are being silenced. I stand with Ama Governor and all the brave individuals demanding change. They deserve to be heard, not arrested. #FreeAmaGovernor #ProtectOurLand #StopGalamsey.”

He further emphasized the importance of allowing citizens to exercise their right to protest and speak out against issues that threaten the nation's well-being.

“Our nation thrives when its people stand up for what is right, yet today, we see the wrongful arrest of Ama Governor and other peaceful protestors who are speaking out against the devastating impact of galamsey on our environment,” he added.

Ama Governor's arrest came alongside several others during the Democracy Hub-led demonstration, which sought to put pressure on the government to take immediate action against the illegal mining industry.

The protesters, however, found themselves remanded by the court for their participation, with the authorities labeling certain actions exhibited during the protest as unlawful.

The arrest of the demonstrators has sparked widespread calls from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and human rights advocates, urging the government to release them.

Many argue that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and that those fighting against environmental degradation should be supported rather than silenced.

It is deeply troubling that those who fight to protect our lands and future generations are being silenced. I stand with Ama Governor and all the brave individuals demanding change. They deserve to be heard, not arrested. #FreeAmaGovernor #ProtectOurLand #StopGalamsey

— Rev. Canon Dr. Confidence Bansah (@DrBansah) September 30, 2024

Our nation thrives when its people stand up for what is right, yet today, we see the wrongful arrest of Ama Governor and other peaceful protestors who are speaking out against the devastating impact of galamsey on our environment.

— Rev. Canon Dr. Confidence Bansah (@DrBansah) September 30, 2024