#StopGalamseyNow: Youth March in Accra Demands Immediate Ban on Illegal Mining [Photo
Hundreds of young Ghanaians marched through the streets of Accra on Monday, chanting “Stop Galamsey Now” and demanding an immediate nationwide ban on illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, to halt its devastating impact on the environment, water sources, and rural livelihoods.
The peaceful demonstration, organized by the Democracy Hub pressure group, started at Accra Mall and was set to conclude at Jubilee House, where protesters planned to submit a petition to President John Dramani Mahama.
The march followed a candlelight vigil at Revolution Square on Sunday evening, marking the second day of a coordinated campaign against galamsey’s role in polluting rivers like Pra, Densu, and Birem—driving up water treatment costs by up to 280% as proposed by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in September 2025.
Placards reading “Destroy Galamsey, Not Our Future” and “When We Drink Galamsey Water, We Will Die” highlighted the destruction of farmlands, forest reserves, and sustainable jobs, with one young protester, Desperate Desmond, emotionally pleading, “I am too young to die.
Organizers from Democracy Hub and FixTheCountry, including convenor Oliver Barker-Vormawor, vowed sustained pressure until the government declares a state of emergency, enforces mining bans in protected areas, and holds perpetrators accountable.
“We will not stop until the government shows real commitment to protecting our environment,” one demonstrator declared.
The event drew solidarity from figures like 2024 presidential candidate Kofi Koranteng, who joined to amplify the call for action.
Security was moderate, with police maintaining a low profile as protesters passed landmarks like the 37 Military Hospital Roundabout and Flagstaff Basic School.f535688709338afc6c Unlike previous protests, the march remained non-violent, though some accused political figures like Sammy Gyamfi of ties to illegal gold operations.
The #StopGalamseyNow movement, trending widely on social media, reflects growing frustration with galamsey’s escalation under successive governments, urging immediate bans and alternative livelihoods for affected communities.
Protesters emphasized, “The power of the people is more powerful than the people in power.
