The Coalition of Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey has launched a three-day demonstration, with protesters gathering this morning at Okponglo to voice their concerns over the destructive consequences of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and to demand stronger government intervention.

When the Citi News team arrived at the scene around 8:40 am, participants were already assembling, signaling the start of the protest. The demonstration will cover a route from Okponglo, passing through Association International School, Kawukudi Junction, and culminating at Parliament House, where the protesters plan to submit a petition. This petition will call for the release of 53 individuals arrested during the Democracy Hub’s protest on September 22.

Organized under the hashtags #FreeTheCitizens and #SayNoToGalamsey, the demonstration seeks to highlight the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining and push for more effective government action against the practice.

In addition to the police providing security, some demonstrators were assigned security roles, wearing shirts to maintain order during the event.

Noble Amedowu, a lawyer representing the activists, shared a breakdown of the three-day protest during an interview with Citi News. “The demonstration will begin at Okponglo, proceed through Association International School, Kawukudi Junction, and end at Parliament House, where petitions will be presented to Parliament, the Lands Commission, and the Attorney General,” Amedowu explained.

He also outlined plans for the second and third days: “On day two, there will be another protest, and on the third day, a night vigil will be held to showcase the devastating effects of galamsey on key rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim.”