Some groups of Ghanaians plan to hold protests in Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) during the first week of October. They aim to highlight the issues arising following the “Reoccupy Jolorbi” protests.  

An unnamed group in Ghana will stage peaceful protests from October 3rd to October 5th, 2024. Meanwhile, a  group in the UK will protest on Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Protesters in Ghana will meet daily at the junction of the University of Ghana, Legon, at 6 AM. The UK protest will take place in front of the Ghana High Commission at 13 Belgrave Square in London from 2PM to 5PM. 

The protests aim to pressure the government to release citizens arrested during the  “Re-Occupy Julorbi” protests held on September 21st to September 23rd 2024. Additionally, they seek to raise awareness about the dangers of galamsey and its impact on Ghanaians at home. 

Some flyers shared by the groups to amplify the upcoming protests

Insights into the Planned Protests in Ghana

In a statement to the Ghana police, the unnamed group outlined their reasons for organizing another protest. They stated,

“Citizens who exercised their right to protest peacefully against galamsey have been unlawfully arrested. Among those arrested were pregnant women, minors, and individuals with critical health conditions. These protesters were denied food, water, legal representation, and medical care for over 48 hours, and have since been remanded without bail for two weeks. This blatant violation of their constitutional rights is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”

The group promised to conduct a peaceful protest, free from violence against the police and public property. 

The upcoming protest has gained significant public support, with participation expected to exceed that of the Re-Occupy Julorbi protests. 

Students and alumni from the Unity hall at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Commonwealth Hall at the University of Ghana have confirmed their participation in the protest. 

The Katanga Hall of KNUST initially expressed willingness to join in the protests. However, they later issued a press release withdrawing their participation. They cited disapproval from the Odeefour, the highest King of their Land who consulted with stakeholders and decided to boycott the protests. However, the group donated GHC 10,000 to support the cause.

Some Ghanaians expressed displeasure with Katanga Hall’s withdrawal, but many remain enthusiastic about joining the protest.

Reactions From the Public

Enyonam, a citizen, expressed her interest in participating in the protest.

“I would like to join the new protest because I am very angry at what is going on. We are a democratic nation so people shouldn’t be arrested for expressing themselves. I will surely be there on October 3rd,” she said. 

Frank Owusu, another concerned citizen, expressed his desire to join but noted that his family is worried about his safety.

“Yes, I would like to join but because I am still young, my family is a bit concerned. They feel that if I go to the protests, I might get injured or be arrested. I am still trying to convince them that it is important. Hopefully, they will let me go,” he said. 

These recent events seem to have only fueled public resolve. People are more determined to express their frustrations with the ruling government now more than ever. 

A flyer to amplify the protests in Accra

Details of Protests Scheduled for the UK

Tracey, an organizer for the London protest, announced the event on X on September 29th, 2024. Ghanaians in the UK and abroad have shown support by retweeting and encouraging others to join in the fight. 

Tracey, on X wrote, 

“This protest aims to amplify the voices of Ghanaians back home while educating those who are unaware of what’s going on,” she stated.

“Although the word “protest” has a negative connotation, no violent, disruptive, or anti-social behavior that could deviate from the cause will be condoned by us ” she added.

Many hope the government will respond to demands of the protesters’ release and address the growing unrest in the nation.  

A flyer created to amplify the protests in London

What Prompted the Recent Protests by Ghanaians at Home and Abroad? 

Fifty-four (54) individuals have been arrested and detained by Ghana’s police for participating in the anti-galamsey protests held from September 21st to September 23rd 2024.  The protests named “Re-Occupy Julorbi” were organised in response to the growing dangers of illegal mining in the country.

The detained protesters have been denied contact with their families, food, water, and bail. Although they were previously denied legal counsel, they have now been given lawyers to help with their cases.

In response to their arrests, the online campaign #FreeTheCitizens has gained traction, in attempts to call on the government to release them. Ghanaians have used social media to voice their displeasure and now, new protests have been organised to help put pressure on the government for their release. 

People are hoping that this will be enough to not only release the protesters, but put governments focus on the issue of galamsey. 

Galamsey has severely polluted Ghana’s water sources, leading to poor-quality water in households across the country. Affected communities have also reported birth defects and chemical poisoning from the illegal mining activities.

Flyer created to advocate for some arrested protesters

Water samples taken from galamsey-affected waterbodies