Anti-galamsey protesters suspend Tuesday’s demo

The Generational Rights Protection Society has called off its planned protest against illegal mining, originally set for Tuesday, April 29.

The decision came after a closed-door meeting with officials from the Accra Police Command, during which the police appealed to the group to pause the demonstration to allow for further discussions and to agree on a new date.

The group had launched its protest on Monday, April 28, demanding immediate government action to tackle the growing threat of illegal mining, or galamsey.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, co-convener Kwame Appiah-Kubi said the protest had already made its point.

“We thank the police very much for collaborating with us throughout the protest. Precisely today, Tuesday, April 29, we were supposed to converge where we ended the demonstration and continue day two, but just this morning [Tuesday], there was a call that came through the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, together with the police command at the Accra region, the message is very simple ‘they pleaded with us for the day two to be postponed for them to be able to adequately prepare.

He added, “We all know the stress we went through, but regardless, we have agreed and accepted their plea. The Deputy Attorney-General also pleaded on behalf of the government because the pressure is coming on them as well.

“But for us, we believe that from Monday, April 28, if you are on social media, traditional media platforms, you will definitely know that the purpose for which we decided to do this has been adequately achieved. We believe that, whether in a day or two, the purpose has been achieved. We’re number one on Twitter [X], even as we speak.”

A new date for the protest is expected to be announced after consultations with stakeholders.