Human Rights Lawyer Charles Owusu Juanah expressed deep concern about the ongoing anti-galamsey protests in Ghana, describing them as significant security risks to the nation.

“While I acknowledge the legitimacy of the calls to end illegal mining, we must be cautious about how these protests are being politicized,” he warned. “If we’re not careful, what starts as peaceful demonstrations could escalate into a national security threat.”

Juanah drew parallels between the current situation in Ghana and the early days of the Sierra Leone civil war, which he witnessed.

“The Sierra Leone war began with protests like these, and it eventually degenerated into a full-scale war,” he cautioned. His warning resonates deeply in a country grappling with rising tensions and public discontent.

Highlighting the current strain on law enforcement, he stated, “The police force is overstretched and under pressure. This is a recipe for disaster. There is so much tension in this country because of these protests.” Juanah’s remarks come at a time when the police are facing heightened challenges, trying to maintain order amid growing unrest.

Moreover, he pointed out that the ongoing unrest could attract external threats. “Jihadists are all over, looking for situations like ours to strike,” he cautioned. “We must be vigilant. Ghanaians need to be cautious in their efforts to stop galamsey because the consequences could be far-reaching.”

Juanah urged citizens to channel their frustrations through the democratic process rather than through protests. “We should allow Ghanaians to elect their President,” he stated emphatically. “Once we have a new government in place, we can tackle the galamsey issue with a fresh mandate. Only then can we take decisive action.”