The Katutu Civil Rights Center Condemns the Unlawful Arrest & Detention of #StopGalamsey Protesters and Calls for their Immediate Release
Public Statement
27th September, 2024
Accra, Ghana
The Katutu Civil Rights Center strongly condemns the recent arrest and unlawful detention of over 40 Ghanaian youths for exercising their right to peaceful assembly during the Democracy Hub StopGalamsey protests in Accra.
Galamsey which refers to illegal mining, has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s environment, polluting rivers, degrading forests, and destroying farmlands, which are vital for local livelihoods.
The devastating effects of Galamsey threaten not only the natural ecosystem but also the socio-economic fabric of communities, leaving many without clean water or arable land. Protesting against such environmental destruction is not only a legitimate right but a necessary action to safeguard the future of Ghanaian youths.
Concerned citizens who were advocating and calling for a ban on illegal mining should not be subjected to inhumane treatment, including detention, denial of bail, and imprisonment.
We stand in solidarity with these courageous activists who have continually risked their freedom to voice their concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment.
The arrest and ongoing detention of these activists is not only a violation of their fundamental human rights, but it is also a violation of the democratic values that Ghana has long upheld.
We call on the Ghanaian authorities to uphold the rights of its citizens by dropping the charges against them and releasing the protesters immediately.
Furthermore, we urge international organizations, human rights groups, and environmental justice advocates to join us in condemning these arrests and to speak out against the actions that stifle freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
We invite the Government of Ghana to prioritize addressing the real threat of galamsey rather than criminalizing those who are advocating for a safer and healthier nation.
Signed,
Farida Bemba Nabourema
Executive Director
Katutu Civil Rights Center