A new wave of protests under the banner of #StopGalamseyNow has gripped the Ghanaian capital Accra, as citizens demand urgent government action to combat the destructive impact of illegal mining.
Organized by the Democracy Hub and backed by the #FixTheCountry movement, the demonstrations began with a vigil at Revolution Square before continuing with a march from Accra Mall to the Jubilee House, where protesters plan to submit a petition to President John Mahama.
The campaign highlights growing public frustration over the unchecked spread of galamsey, which has left severe social, economic, and ecological consequences across the country.
According to the Water Resources Commission, about 60% of Ghana’s water bodies are polluted, with major rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, and Offin contaminated by toxic substances including mercury, cyanide, and arsenic.
The Ghana Water Company Limited has warned that the crisis is pushing operational costs to unsustainable levels, leading to its recent proposal for a 280% increase in water tariffs.
Protesters insist that without decisive government action, the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining will continue to jeopardize public health, agriculture, and the national economy.
