Ghanaians in U.S. protest at UN headquarters against Akufo-Addo, demand the release of arrested demonstrators

A group of Ghanaians living in the United States gathered outside the United Nations Headquarters on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, to demand the immediate release of protesters arrested during a recent anti-illegal mining demonstration in Ghana.

The demonstrators, holding placards and chanting slogans, expressed solidarity with the detained activists and called on international bodies to intervene.

The protesters accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of suppressing dissent through intimidation and the misuse of state security forces.

One Emmanuel Kumah, a spokesperson for the group, addressed the crowd, expressing concern over the arrests and calling for international attention on the issue.

“We stand with our brothers and sisters who have been unjustly detained for speaking out against the pollution of our water bodies and the destruction of our environment, President Akufo-Addo is using the police to silence those who raise their voices against these injustices.

“We demand that the United Nations and the international media hold him accountable.

“As we speak, around 50 of our colleagues are being held without proper legal representation or access to medical treatment. This is a gross violation of their rights," he added.

The protesters in New York also emphasized the need to end illegal mining in Ghana, which they argue is causing damage to the country's environment. Holding banners with messages such as “Stop Illegal Mining” and “Save Ghana’s Water Bodies,” they called for action to halt the illegal operations that have poisoned rivers and devastated farmlands.

The protest follows the arrest of over 40 members of Democracy Hub during a demonstration on September 21, 2024, in Accra.

The group had been protesting against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, urging Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take action to protect the nation’s water bodies and forests from the devastating effects of the illicit mining activities.

While the protest in Accra was intended to be peaceful, violence broke out when demonstrators clashed with police.

The Ghana Police Service accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling police barricades, and disrupting traffic at the 37 Roundabout.

These actions led to the arrest of the protesters, including prominent activists from the #FixTheCountry movement, a group known for its criticism of the government’s handling of national issues such as corruption, economic mismanagement, and environmental degradation.

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On September 24, 2024, 39 of the arrested protesters were remanded into police custody for two weeks, with another 11 being remanded the following day.

The arrested activists, including those from the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges. However, one notable absence during the court proceedings was Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a leading figure in the #FixTheCountry movement, who was reportedly receiving medical care.

Ghanaians in New york today #FreeTheCitizens pic.twitter.com/q9keQrxQoM
— Dr Sneaker Nyame (@SneakerNyame_) September 25, 2024

‘Mr. President, this is your legacy… today we stand here to call you out! We will not sit and watch you do this to our people!’
A group of Ghanaians have gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, demanding the release of remanded anti-galamsey protesters.… pic.twitter.com/P0RLIlBZYV
— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) September 25, 2024