The Accra High Court has struck out a motion filed by the Ghana Police Service seeking to prohibit a planned protest against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, scheduled for April 28.
The court’s ruling came after Assistant State Attorney David Bachem, acting on the instruction of the Attorney General, prayed for the motion to be withdrawn. The withdrawal led to the court striking out the case, effectively allowing the protest to proceed as planned.
The decision has been welcomed by organisers of the protest, who viewed the initial attempt to block the demonstration as an act of bad faith.
Okatakyie Afrifa, a media personality and one of the conveners of the protest, described the police motion as an unnecessary impediment to a legitimate civic action.
“This was a move borne out of bad faith,” Afrifa said. “We are glad the court has recognised our right to protest and to demand action against illegal mining, which is destroying our environment and water bodies.”
The protest is expected to begin at Obra Spot near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, proceed through the Ring Road, and conclude at Liberation Square, opposite the Jubilee House.
According to organisers, the march will start at 4:00 p.m. on April 28 and continue until midnight.
The demonstration is aimed at intensifying public pressure on government and stakeholders to take decisive action against illegal mining operations that have wreaked havoc across the country.
