Protesters demanding the immediate release of members of the Democracy Hub arrested and remanded into prison custody for demonstrating against illegal mining have issued a 7-day ultimatum to government to place a moratorium on illegal and all forms of small scale mining across the country.
The Concerned Citizens of Ghana Against Galamasey are set to petition the Minister for Land and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor today, which marks Day-Two of the street protest against government’s reluctance to stop the illegal activities that have destroyed major water bodies and forest reserves in most parts of the Western, Central, Ashanti and Eastern regions of Ghana.
The demonstrators mostly the youth who are protesting against their brothers and sisters describe the Courts decision to put those rounded up by the police into Prison and Police custodies for two weeks as heavy-handed, and a clear manipulation of the Courts but he Executive at the pleasure of government and the NPP, which is exploiting the illegal mining activities for political
advantage.
On Friday, September 4, 2024, which is the sec on day of tbe protest saw more people from all walks of life joining the protest in defiance of intimidation by the heavy Police deployment.
The development comes in the wake of another ultimatum by Organized labour failure of which they will embark on a nationwide strike beginning Thursday, September 12.
The Presidency has already met them with the hope of deferring the protest but pressure is mounting on Leadership of organized labour not to succumb to promises or pressure.
Some too NPP executives including a member of Parliament have already come under harsh criticism for publicly suggesting galamsey will not be banned because the people must eat and any decision otherwise will affect their electoral fortunes
By: Edward Asare Ayeh//myxyzonline.com
