The FixTheCountry Movement has concluded its demonstration against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, with a renewed call on government to declare a state of emergency to tackle the crisis. The protest was held on Founder’s Day at the Revolutionary Square, opposite the Jubilee House.
The group described galamsey as an “existential threat” to Ghana’s future, warning that the practice has reached alarming levels, devastating forests, rivers, and farmlands. They cautioned that the consequences for food security, safe drinking water, and future generations could be dire if urgent action is not taken.
Addressing protesters, one of the conveners argued that the country’s failure to confront illegal mining undermines the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“Nkrumah will be disappointed in Ghana as a country, and it is because of one thing. He stood alone as an individual and was able to bring justice for Ghana, but all of us are not able to come together to fight and win the war against galamsey,” the convener said.
He added: “If you are a Ghanaian, you should be embarrassed that we are not able to win the fight against galamsey on this Founder’s Day. The man we are celebrating single-handedly fought for Ghana’s independence. We are here today to ask you, the President of the land, to use your power. Give us our request of ending galamsey.”
The demonstration, timed to coincide with Founder’s Day, was intended to highlight what the group called an urgent need for bold leadership and decisive action to stop the destruction of Ghana’s environment.
