{"id":226452,"date":"2024-10-05T23:27:45","date_gmt":"2024-10-05T23:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/10\/05\/emotional-vigil-climaxes-3-day-anti-galamsey-protest-as-demand-to-freethecitizens-intensifies\/"},"modified":"2024-10-05T23:27:45","modified_gmt":"2024-10-05T23:27:45","slug":"emotional-vigil-climaxes-3-day-anti-galamsey-protest-as-demand-to-freethecitizens-intensifies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/10\/05\/emotional-vigil-climaxes-3-day-anti-galamsey-protest-as-demand-to-freethecitizens-intensifies\/","title":{"rendered":"Emotional vigil climaxes 3-day anti-galamsey protest as demand to #FreeTheCitizens intensifies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Protestors observing vigil at #FreeTheCitizens. [Photo by Kenneth Awotwe Darko]<\/p>

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It was a day filled with chants, energy, and a united demand for one thing\u2014the end of illegal mining, known in Ghana as galamsey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third and final day of the three-day protest echoed not only the call to stop the environmental destruction but also the demand for the release of 53 protesters arrested two weeks ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The march began at Okponglo in Legon and moved through key streets in Accra on Saturday, October 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

University halls keeping the fire blazing at #FreeTheCitizens<\/a> protest.#StopGalamseyNow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/w7MKSkYSmT<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 5, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> \n\n\n\n

Led by police, the determined youth, mostly dressed in red and black, sang patriotic songs to amplify their message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The placards they carried spoke volumes, with inscriptions like \u201cWe need clean water,\u201d \u201cStop galamsey now,\u201d and \u201cAkufo-Addo, let my people go,\u201d reflecting the urgency and emotion behind the movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our voices went up as the rains came down. I\u2019m proud of my brothers and sisters. <\/p>

We did it! Now #FreeTheCitizens<\/a>.#StopGalamseyNow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Ay0j7lhvtI<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 5, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> \n\n\n\n

After a grueling 12-kilometer walk, the demonstration culminated near the Accra Sports Stadium, transforming into a vigil for the detained protesters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There, the vigil developed into a sensitization session with the screening of a documentary by JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donkor which detailed the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghanaians including babies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#FreeTheCitizens<\/a> protest: The vigil has developed into a sensitization session with the screening of documentary by @JoyNewsOnTV<\/a>\u2019s Erastus Asare Donkor. It details the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghanaians including babies.#StopGalamseyNow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Vd3liPS6Gp<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 5, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> \n\n\n\n

Despite a heavy downpour, the passionate crowd remained, honoring those arrested and demanding their immediate release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the pouring rain, the voices of Ghana\u2019s youth were unwavering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the day draws to a close, #FreeTheCitizens<\/a> protestors begin a heartfelt vigil. #StopGalamseyNow<\/a> <\/p>

7:15pm pic.twitter.com\/46a5spyfYu<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 5, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> \n\n\n\n

Their message was clear\u2014an end to the destruction of their land and freedom for those who had dared to speak out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Days 1 and 2 saw petitions being presented to the Attorney General’s Department and the Lands Ministry.<\/p>\n\n

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