03:12Hundreds of activists in Ghana began a three-day demonstration in Accra on Thursday, protesting against illegal gold mining, also known as 'Galamsey', and the environmental impact of the practice.
Footage shows activists dressed in red and black, chanting slogans like 'Free the citizens' and 'We shall fight Galamsey.' Others carried banners reading 'Say no to Galamsey' and 'Destroy Galamsey, Not Our Future.' They also called for the release of those detained during previous demonstrations.
"If the law will not apply to the Galamsey, but the law will apply to the protesters, then it is a shame on this country," said one. Another spoke of the impact, following reports of mercury poisoning due to the methods used for the shallow mining practice.
"Babies are being born deformed. Can you imagine that? Imagine this continuing for the next 2-10 years. Think about the state of Ghana then. We will not wait for that day to come," he added.
Governments have attempted to crack down on the mining, with a 2006 act limited small-scale mining and providing alternative employment, and a 2013 task force to combat illegal activities. Dozens have been convicted and hundreds face trial for galamsey,, with additional regulations introduced to restrict mining and enforce responsible practices.
The protests, organised by the Democracy Hub advocacy group, called on the government to take even tougher action. The first day of the demonstration saw them submit a petition to the attorney general, calling for the release of those remanded in custody after previous protests.
According to local media, the second day of the protest will focus on submitting a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, demanding stronger measures. The final day sees them presenting a petition to Parliament, urging lawmakers to pass stricter legislation.
'Babies born deformed, we will not stop until Galamsey stops!' - Three-day rally against illegal gold mining
Hundreds of activists in Ghana began a three-day demonstration in Accra on Thursday, protesting against illegal gold mining, also known as 'Galamsey', and the environmental impact of the practice.
Footage shows activists dressed in red and black, chanting slogans like 'Free the citizens' and 'We shall fight Galamsey.' Others carried banners reading 'Say no to Galamsey' and 'Destroy Galamsey, Not Our Future.' They also called for the release of those detained during previous demonstrations.
"If the law will not apply to the Galamsey, but the law will apply to the protesters, then it is a shame on this country," said one. Another spoke of the impact, following reports of mercury poisoning due to the methods used for the shallow mining practice.
"Babies are being born deformed. Can you imagine that? Imagine this continuing for the next 2-10 years. Think about the state of Ghana then. We will not wait for that day to come," he added.
Governments have attempted to crack down on the mining, with a 2006 act limited small-scale mining and providing alternative employment, and a 2013 task force to combat illegal activities. Dozens have been convicted and hundreds face trial for galamsey,, with additional regulations introduced to restrict mining and enforce responsible practices.
The protests, organised by the Democracy Hub advocacy group, called on the government to take even tougher action. The first day of the demonstration saw them submit a petition to the attorney general, calling for the release of those remanded in custody after previous protests.
According to local media, the second day of the protest will focus on submitting a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, demanding stronger measures. The final day sees them presenting a petition to Parliament, urging lawmakers to pass stricter legislation.
Hundreds of activists in Ghana began a three-day demonstration in Accra on Thursday, protesting against illegal gold mining, also known as 'Galamsey', and the environmental impact of the practice.
Footage shows activists dressed in red and black, chanting slogans like 'Free the citizens' and 'We shall fight Galamsey.' Others carried banners reading 'Say no to Galamsey' and 'Destroy Galamsey, Not Our Future.' They also called for the release of those detained during previous demonstrations.
"If the law will not apply to the Galamsey, but the law will apply to the protesters, then it is a shame on this country," said one. Another spoke of the impact, following reports of mercury poisoning due to the methods used for the shallow mining practice.
"Babies are being born deformed. Can you imagine that? Imagine this continuing for the next 2-10 years. Think about the state of Ghana then. We will not wait for that day to come," he added.
Governments have attempted to crack down on the mining, with a 2006 act limited small-scale mining and providing alternative employment, and a 2013 task force to combat illegal activities. Dozens have been convicted and hundreds face trial for galamsey,, with additional regulations introduced to restrict mining and enforce responsible practices.
The protests, organised by the Democracy Hub advocacy group, called on the government to take even tougher action. The first day of the demonstration saw them submit a petition to the attorney general, calling for the release of those remanded in custody after previous protests.
According to local media, the second day of the protest will focus on submitting a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, demanding stronger measures. The final day sees them presenting a petition to Parliament, urging lawmakers to pass stricter legislation.