Representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have officially received a petition from the demonstrators of the #FreeTheCitizens and #StopGalamseyNow.
The petition was handed over at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, October 4, following the successful conclusion of the second day of demonstrations.
The protest aimed to demand the immediate release of 53 Democracy Hub protesters who were arrested during an anti-galamsey demonstration last week, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing environmental destruction caused by illegal mining (galamsey).
The march began at the Legon Okponglo Traffic Light, proceeded to the Airport Traffic Light, then moved to the National Service Secretariat, the Electoral Commission Office, and Parliament, before ending at the Accra Sports Stadium.
In the petition, addressed to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the group expressed grave concern over the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, stating that it has reached catastrophic levels.
“Given the issue’s significance, the time for empty promises and half-measures has passed. Today, we speak not as individuals but as the collective conscience of a nation fighting for its survival and with a demand for immediate action taken to truncate this existential threat. We look to you, Hon. Minister, as the key figure in this crucial battle,” part of the petition read.
The group also stated that the environmental devastation caused by galamsey mirrors the suffering of Ghanaians.
They further noted the alarming health consequences, such as a sharp rise in mercury poisoning cases, particularly among children and families living near mining areas.
In light of this, the group has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to enforce the complete shutdown of all illegal mining operations across the country, with no exceptions.
“This must result from a collaborative effort between the Ministry and security agencies, including the police.”
Additionally, the group has given a 15-day ultimatum for the Ministry to initiate a nationwide restoration program for all major rivers, beginning with the Pra, Birim, and Ankobra, to rehabilitate these water sources and undo the damage caused by galamsey.
“We demand an inclusive approach where experts are engaged to suggest and develop sustainable plans to ensure the effectiveness of the rehabilitation,” the petition further read.