Ghanaians Take to the Streets in #StopGalamseyNow Protest

Hundreds of citizens have taken to the streets of Accra in an anti-Galamsey protest to demand an end to illegal mining. The protest which started with a night vigil on Sunday 21st September 2025 is part of a broader national campaign against environmental degradation.

For the Democracy Hub, who are the main convenors of the protest, this was an opportunity to highlight public frustration with the ongoing destruction of forests, rivers and farmlands and to raise awareness about the devastating effects of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment and communities.

The organizers have emphasised that if left unchecked, the activities of Galamsey would further  threaten Ghana’s already deteriorating water bodies, arable lands and the livelihoods of residents, particularly those in mining areas such as Ashanti, Western and the Eastern regions.

Demonstrators were seen marching from key landmarks to the Ministry of Environment, carrying banners and placards, mostly with the inscription, ” Stop Galamsey Now” and “Save Our Rivers”. The Stop Galamsey protest reflects a revived civil society movement  to hold both government and the private sector accountable.

Media conversation about Galamsey became rife, after the Government withdrew the Galamsey task force from all sites. The President’s rather unsatisfactory response on Galamsey, during the recent media encounter may have also sparked a lot more interest in putting this government to check.

The National Democratic Congress, whilst in opposition capitalised on the anti-Galamsey protests and blamed the then NPP Government for its laxity in tackling the Galamsey menace. Page 76  of the NDC’s full manifesto for the 2024 Elections stated:

“Ghana is endowed with rich biodiversity, vast natural resources, and resilient people. However, the country
faces significant environmental challenges that require bold and innovative solutions, and a commitment to
sustainability. Ghana is enjoined to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations through reasonable legislative and administrative measures. Regrettably, the NPP government has harmed the environment by allowing increased illegal mining activities, with political figures heavily implicated. Additionally, there have been attempt to privatize forest reserves like the Achimota Forest”

The organisers are hoping that continued pressure will result in robust legislation, better enforcement and lasting solution to Ghana’s illegal mining crisis.