Legendary South African songstress, Yvonne Chaka Chaka has added her voice to the rampant illegal mining activities plaguing the country.

While acknowledging the complexities of the issue, she urged the government to take decisive action to address the root causes of illegal mining.

She called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to listen to the voices of the youth and implement tangible solutions to create a more inclusive and prosperous Ghana.

“We can not afford to see young people go into this illegal mining… But they are doing it because there are no jobs… So that is why they are going into illegal mining because they want to fend for themselves and their children… I‘m not condoning that.”
Yvonne Chaka Chaka

The legendary singer admonished President Akufo-Addo to do right by Ghanaians.

“My president, young people are saying solutions are there, all we need now is to see him start working on the talk, Mr. President, we need you to practice what you are preaching so that these minerals can benefit everybody and everybody can get good water. Mr President, when we say people can govern, the very same people come with solutions, so do what is right for the people.”
Yvonne Chaka Chaka

The ‘Umqombothi’ hitmaker bemoaned the widespread and devastating impact of illegal mining on the youth, stating that the menace “is a burden everywhere even in South Africa” and urged the government to ensure that it tackles it appropriately to restore and reclaim Ghana’s lost forest cover and destroyed lands.

The South African singer who is in Ghana for the African Legends Night stated that there is a meeting coming up where she will formally appeal to President Akufo-Addo to prioritize the fight against galamsey. “We will have a Global Citizen meeting in Ivory Coast next week and President Akufo-Addo will be there and I will convey the message to him because we cannot afford to see young people suffering,” she added.

Speaking, the legendary South African songstress expressed deep concern about how galamsey is harming the youth.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is one of the headline acts for this year’s African Legends Night to be held at the Grand Arena on Saturday, October 5. She will join a lineup that includes Okyeame Kwame, George Jahraa, and Adane Best.

“I don’t think I am headlining the show…I see Okyeame Kwame, George Jahraa and Adane Best as my brothers… So we are performing together… This is our gig. For me when I go somewhere, I want to feel part of that community, so I don’t want to say to them, we are all one people.”
Yvonne Chaka Chaka

After promising to thrill fans with an outstanding performance, she expressed gratitude to the organizers Global Media Alliance for putting on such a spectacular show.

M.anifest Adds Voice To Galamsey Protest

Ghanaian rapper, M.anifest bemoaned the police’s denial of bail for some Democracy Hub protesters who were arrested on September 22, 2024.

In a post on X, M.anifest criticized the “punitive measure” exhibited by the police and slammed some Ghanaians for supporting the actions of the police.

“It’s actually very alarming that you can be held without bail for exercising your right to protest. Even more concerning is your fellow Ghanaians agreeing with this blatant punitive measure under the guise of ‘law & order.’ E be your own people… until one-day e reach dem.”
M.anifest

He also expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs in Ghana saying, “What will it take for real change to happen in this country?”

In another tweet, the rapper shared solidarity with those on the frontlines of the protest. “Love to everyone on the frontlines and everyone amplifying. And to those poisoning the waters, literally and figuratively, posterity will have its say.”

M.anifest’s tweets come amid calls for the release of the 53 Democracy Hub protesters arrested during an anti-galamsey demonstration on September 22.

Currently, there is an ongoing 3-day protest organized by the Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey. The protest which began on October 3, 2024, will end on October 5.

The protest is to drum home calls for an end to galamsey activities and a demand for the release of the detained protesters.