In recent years, Ghana has faced a growing crisis of illegal mining, also known as ‘galamsey’, which has wreaked havoc on the environment, particularly on water bodies, forests and farmlands. This ecological disaster has galvanised citizens, civil society and activist groups to take a stand, raising their voices against the widespread destruction caused by these unsanctioned activities.
In response to this menace, the Democracy Hub, led by Oliver Mawuse Barker Vormawor, initiated the ‘StopGalamseyNow’ protest, but at the end of the protest 53 activists were arrested for engaging in unlawful activities. They have been remanded in police custody untill their court appearance on October 8, 2024. The police accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling police barriers and obstructing traffic in the city.
A week after the protest, another group of youth, called the Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, embarked on a three-day protest on the same galamsey issue. Throughout the entire period of the protest, there were no reports of violence, arrests or clashes with the police.
The Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey were able to successfully communicate their message and draw public attention to the issue at hand, without being sidetracked by any confrontations. Their ability to organise the event, in collaboration with the law enforcement agency – police- ensured that the protest remained peaceful, focused, and impactful.
Reports suggest that the organisers of the earlier demonstration failed to coordinate effectively with law enforcement agencies, resulting in tensions that ultimately led to clashes and mass arrests. The key difference between Democracy Hub and the Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey appears to have been a lack of cooperation with the police.
These two protests offer a critical lesson for activists and civil society groups in Ghana. Protest is a powerful tool for social change, but the manner in which it is organised can significantly impact its success.
The Chronicle is of the view that the peaceful outcome of the Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey protest shows that coordination and cooperation with the police can help keep the focus squarely on the issue being protested against.
Because the Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey protestors coordinated with the police, protesters were able to avoid the pitfalls that often accompany such public demonstrations, including violence and arrests. This allowed their message on the urgent need to address the environmental destruction caused by galamsey to resonate with the public and the media.
The earlier protest (by Democracy Hub), while equally driven by a commitment to protecting the country’s environment did not have proper coordination with law enforcement agencies. This is the reason why we believe, the whole protest descended into chaos thus affecting the reason why they were on the streets.
The lesson here is that protesters must prioritise non-violence and strategic planning to ensure that their cause remains in the spotlight. It is very important to know that you do not have to engage in violent activities to be heard or even inspire change. Future activists should take heed of the lessons from these two protests.
Recently, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Charles Abani, called on those protesting in the ongoing anti-illegal mining demonstrations to remain peaceful and orderly. He also called on the police “to maintain professionalism in protecting law and order while upholding human and civil rights.”
This is exactly what The Chronicle is saying. Engaging law enforcement early, communicating clearly and organising within the confines of the law are essential to ensuring that protests remain peaceful and effective.
The right to protest is a cornerstone of any democracy, including Ghana’s, but with that right comes the responsibility to organize in a manner that enhances the cause rather than detracts from it.
