The Media Coalition Against Galamsey has initiated a red band protest aimed at raising awareness and pressuring the government to take decisive action against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
This initiative was announced by the coalition’s convener, Kenneth Ashigbey, during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show with Bernard Avle on Citi FM on Wednesday, October 9.
Kenneth Ashigbey stated that the upcoming protest is intended to demonstrate strong solidarity with Organised Labour’s planned indefinite strike, which is set to begin on October 10.
Both the protest and the strike focus on the government’s failure to tackle the serious and escalating issue of galamsey.
Illegal mining has been a longstanding problem in Ghana, posing significant threats to the environment, public health, and the future of affected communities.
Despite numerous public outcries and government assurances, illegal mining continues to devastate vast areas of Ghana’s natural resources, particularly water bodies, farmlands, and forests.
In response to this ongoing crisis, Organised Labour and its allied unions have declared an indefinite strike, demanding an immediate and total ban on galamsey operations.
Kenneth Ashigbey urged participants to show their support by wearing red bands on their arms or heads and tying red bands on vehicles such as cars, motorbikes, and bicycles.
Participants are also encouraged to share photos and videos of their actions on social media using the hashtags #StopGalamseyNow, #SaveOurLand, and #SaveOurFuture.
