Democracy Hub Announces Picket and March Against Galamsey on September 21–22

Civil society group Democracy Hub has formally notified authorities of its intention to hold a two-day march and picketing event to demand urgent action against illegal mining, widely known as Galamsey.

The demonstration, themed #StopGalamseyNow and #Fanofom, is scheduled to take place from Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. and end on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Organizers say participants will disperse by 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Purpose of the Protest

According to Democracy Hub, the protest is a direct response to what the group describes as the government’s lack of conviction in tackling Galamsey, despite its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and public health.

They cited recent comments by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo suggesting that illegal mining had not reached a level requiring drastic measures, as well as proposals by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to increase utility bills by over 200% due to the effects of Galamsey.

The group further accused government officials of reneging on earlier promises, recalling that members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), while in opposition, claimed they could end Galamsey in a week.

“Galamsey is an activity that qualifies to be labelled a terrorist act, putting the lives of over 30 million Ghanaians at risk,” the statement read. Democracy Hub is also calling for the prosecution of corrupt officials from the previous administration, criticizing the Office of the Special Prosecutor (ORAL) for failing to secure any convictions since the new government took office 250 days ago.

Format of the Event

• Day One (Sept 21): A picket at the Revolutionary Square involving peaceful activities such as vigils, prayer sessions, lectures, documentary screenings, petitions, theatre, and craftivism. Organizers emphasized that they would not attempt to enter the Jubilee House nor interfere with any security measures.
• Day Two (Sept 22): A march from Spanner Junction to the Revolutionary Square, followed by continued peaceful protest activities similar to Day One.

Respect for Law and Order

Democracy Hub stressed that the demonstration will be peaceful and lawful, noting that organizers plan to issue detailed picketing guidelines and hold informational sessions to ensure participants conduct themselves responsibly.

“This notice itself is evidence of our commitment to law and constitutional accountability,” the group stated.