The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has been asked to stop being spectators and join citizens demonstrate against illegal mining (galamsey).
Ghanaian journalist Bridget Otoo made this call on her official X handle.
“Give them placards and let them march!” she quoted a video in which protestors were singing about the presence of numerous police officers chaperoning the protest.
#FreeTheCitizens demonstration is a 3-day demonstration calling for the release of the 54 detained #Democracy Hub demonstrators starts on October 3rd, 2024 and ends on October 5th, 2024.
The arrests ignited a viral social media campaign under the hashtag #FreeTheCitizens, with activists, media personalities, and international figures weighing in on the matter.
“Day 1 will see us submit a petition to the Office of the Attorney-General to demand the release of our brothers and sisters remanded in police custody,” said one of the organizers.
The second day will focus on a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, calling for stronger action to end galamsey. On the final day, protesters plan to submit a petition to Parliament, urging lawmakers to pass legislation that bans illegal mining practices end with a vigil at Independence Square.
Give them placards and let them march! #StopGalamseyNow #FreeTheCitizens https://t.co/isH2D3yrcj
— Bee (@Bridget_Otoo) October 3, 2024
