Scores of volunteers marched through the streets on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, demanding immediate government action to end illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey.’

The protest was organised by conservation organization, A Rocha Ghana.

The protest, aimed at addressing the environmental devastation caused by unchecked mining activities, saw protesters clad in red and carrying placards with messages like “Let the Rivers Flow Clean for Life,” “Galamsey is Suicidal,” and “Galamsey is a National Emergency,” among others.

The protesters called for an immediate halt to all legal and illegal mining, particularly in rivers, buffer zones, and forest reserves.

They also urged the government to declare a state of emergency to address the urgent crisis and restore clean water sources for communities across the country.

The rallying volunteers expressed frustration at what they see as government indifference to the destruction of the environment.

They highlighted the need for stricter regulation of the mining industry, emphasizing that the ongoing damage is a threat to both public health and the nation's future.