Bailed #StopGalamseyNow activist, Nii Ayi Opare has spoken against his recent arrest, asserting that it was part of a broader attempt to stifle the movement’s efforts to end illegal mining in Ghana.
The #StopGalamseyNow movement, known for protesting against the environmental damage caused by illegal mining (galamsey), has been actively raising awareness about the issue. Recently, several protesters were arrested for allegedly holding an unlawful assembly, even though police had been present at the protest site for three days without any action. These arrests have drawn accusations of being politically motivated, with claims that the protesters are being punished for their anti-galamsey advocacy.
Narrating the situation on GHOne TV, he remarked, “There are people actively mining for gold just 200 meters behind a police station, yet the police do nothing about it.” He expressed disbelief at the charges brought against the protesters, noting that the demonstration was held under the watchful eye of the police. “The police were present for three days and never said anything. How could that be unlawful assembly?” he questioned.
The activist criticized the charges as baseless, stating, “Some of the people arrested weren’t even present at the site on the alleged days. This whole thing is fraught with illegalities. It feels more like persecution than prosecution.”
Having participated in anti-galamsey protests since 2016, the activist highlighted that the movement is non-partisan, adding, “This is a national issue. We are fighting for the future of our country.” He also refuted claims that the movement was politically aligned. “There’s no way we could have been partisan.”
Commenting on their treatment in custody, the activist expressed frustration with the legal process, particularly the limited time they had to communicate with their lawyers. “How is that legal or due process?” he asked, explaining that they were denied sufficient consultation with their legal team for over 48 hours.
In spite of these setbacks, the activist remains committed to the cause. “I’ve been doing this since 2016. It’s mandatory by the national anthem that we must stand and defend our country whenever the need arises,” he stated.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
