The #FreeTheCitizens movement has officially written to the Ghana Police Service, notifying the Accra Regional Police Command of their plans to hold a peaceful protest against the devastating effects of galamsey (illegal mining) and to demand the release of unlawfully detained protesters.
The group, comprised of concerned citizens, intends to raise awareness about the environmental destruction caused by galamsey and the increasing disregard for constitutional rights by state authorities.
The letter, addressed to the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra Central, serves as an urgent notification in accordance with the Public Order Act (Act 491), which mandates the police to be informed about any public gathering or protest in the country.
“This protest addresses critical issues that demand immediate attention, and the details are as follows: Converging Point: Okponglo. Destination: Independence Square, Accra. Date: Thursday, 3rd October 2024 to Saturday, 5th October 2024. Time of Commencement: 9:00 AM each day. Proposed Time of Closure: 12:00 AM each day (including a night vigil on Saturday).
“The protest will begin with a march from Okponglo, moving along the stretch to the El Wak stretch to Parliament Street, and concluding at Independence Square, where the assembly and vigil will take place”.
#FreeTheCitizens protestors
The group in its statement, emphasized that this will be a peaceful protest, focused on three primary objectives: halting galamsey operations, ensuring the release of unlawfully detained protesters, and calling for an end to unconstitutional actions by state authorities.
The Fight Against Galamsey
The letter highlighted the urgent need to address the harmful consequences of galamsey, which has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s environment, asserting that illegal mining has inflicted catastrophic damage on the environment, poisoning water bodies, destroying forests, and endangering lives.
“Water sources, including major rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, are now contaminated with toxic chemicals, posing serious health risks and leading to water shortages. Despite the urgency of this issue, insufficient action has been taken”.
#FreeTheCitizens protestors
The movement called for immediate action from the government, warning that failure to curb illegal mining activities will have long-lasting consequences for the nation’s natural resources and its citizens.
Release of Unlawfully Detained Protesters
The second demand of the protest is the immediate release of individuals who have been unlawfully arrested while protesting against galamsey. The letter alleged that several peaceful protesters, including pregnant women, minors, and people with critical health conditions, were arrested during previous demonstrations.
These detainees according to the statement were reportedly denied basic rights, such as access to food, water, legal representation, and medical care, for more than 48 hours, adding that the protesters have been remanded without bail for two weeks.
The movement denounced these actions as a gross violation of the constitutional rights of citizens and demanded the immediate release of the protesters.
“This blatant violation of their constitutional rights is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately,” the letter asserted.
Call to End Unconstitutional Conduct
The #FreeTheCitizens protest also aims to draw attention to what the group described as a worrying trend of unconstitutional conduct by state authorities.
The movement claimed that the unlawful arrests and mistreatment of peaceful protesters are symptomatic of a broader issue of democratic erosion in Ghana.
The letter made it clear that the protest is not just about environmental issues but also about the protection of fundamental human rights.
“The actions taken against these peaceful protesters represent a worrying trend of unconstitutional behaviour by state authorities. We demand that such actions cease immediately and that the rights of citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution, be respected”.
#FreeTheCitizens protestors
The protestors argued that allowing such violations to continue unchecked could lead to the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country. “The erosion of democratic rights must be stopped before it does irreparable damage to our nation,” the letter warned.
The #FreeTheCitizens movement also urged all Ghanaians to join the protest in a bid to force the government to take swift action against galamsey and uphold the rule of law.
The group called on the Ghana Police Service to fulfil its duty to protect the rights of citizens during the protest, ensuring that the event proceeds without incident.
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