Hundreds of Ghanaians, mostly university students, took to the streets of Accra on Thursday, calling for an immediate halt to illegal mining in the country. The demonstrators, who plan to continue their rallies for three days, also demanded the release of 54 activists detained last month during protests against illegal mining.
The environmental and social impact of illegal mining, particularly its devastating effect on natural resources and rural livelihoods, has become a major issue in the lead-up to Ghana’s presidential elections in December.
Protesters, dressed in red and black to signify mourning for the environment, marched through the capital singing patriotic songs and carrying bottles of polluted water from the Pra and Birim rivers to highlight the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining. Many Ghanaians rely on these rivers for drinking water.
Labour unions have announced plans to launch a nationwide strike on October 10 to demand urgent government action.
Protesters are also calling for the release of 54 members of the Democracy Hub pressure group, arrested in September for blocking roads and burning tyres during demonstrations. Their two-week detention has sparked public outrage.
Ghana, a major producer of gold and cocoa, has been grappling with economic challenges since 2022, including rampant inflation and a default on its foreign debt. The economic crisis has led some cocoa farmers to sell their lands to illegal miners, further damaging agricultural land and polluting water sources.