I wouldn't have granted anti-galamsey protestors permit if I were IGP - Great Ampong

Ghanaian gospel musician Isaiah Kwadwo Ampong, also known as 'Great Ampong', has accused the anti-galamsey protesters of being influenced by external forces to undermine the current government.

The protest, organised by the Coalition of Concerned Citizens against Galamsey, aimed at highlighting the environmental damage caused by illegal mining and securing the release of approximately 53 Democracy Hub protesters detained after an earlier protest on September 22.

But reacting to these developments, Ampong, in a video has questioned the timing of the demonstration, which had taken place just two months before the upcoming December 7, 2024, elections.

“Why did they wait until two months before the elections to demonstrate? Why now? It suggests they have been paid,” he said.

He further stated, “If I were the IGP, I wouldn’t have granted them any permit for that demonstration.”

He also criticised the decision to hold the protest in Accra instead of in areas directly affected by galamsey activities.

Labeling the demonstration as "nonsense," he argued that it was an attempt to discredit the government.

“If they were truly concerned, they should have gone to the galamsey sites. You want to demonstrate against galamsey, but you’re doing it at 37? It’s a pointless demonstration,” he added.

As a staunch supporter of the New Patriotic Party, Great Ampong also commented on the labour bodies' plans to strike, suggesting they should focus their efforts elsewhere.

He criticised the current state of democracy in the country and claimed the galamsey issue is being exaggerated.

“People are turning democracy into gyimicracy. Someone prompted them to go on this demonstration to make the government unpopular,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Ama Governor and eight other Democracy Hub protesters have been granted bail, each set at GH₵70,000 with two sureties.

They are required to report to the police weekly and deposit their Ghana cards at the court registry.

Their release follows protests in Ghana, the UK, and other parts of the world.

Also, an appeal concerning a similar bail denial for Oliver Barker Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, and 10 others is currently under review.

See the video below:

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See videos from the 3-day #FreeTheCitizens #StopGalamseyNow protest below: