Ghanaian actor and political activist Prince David Osei has faced backlash after he posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) amid ongoing protests against illegal mining (galamsey) and the recent arrest of some protesters.

Over the past few weeks, concerns have been raised about the state of the country’s water bodies and forest reserves due to galamsey activities.

This development prompted some individuals from the Democracy Hub pressure group to voice their concerns over the issue but some were arrested by the police after a clash on September 22, 2024.

Taking to his X handle on September 27, 2024, Prince David Osei posted "Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder…..Blessed Day."

However, the post, intended to promote peaceful dialogue, was met with criticism from some users.

Many netizens accused the actor, who is an open supporter of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of downplaying the severity of the issues surrounding galamsey and the protesters' concerns.

Background

On 22, September 2024, some #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters were arrested during a three-day protest at the 37 Roundabout which took place from the 21st through 23rd September 2024 where demonstrators voiced concerns over illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and economic mismanagement.

The protestors have been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court. They face five charges: conspiracy to commit crime, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct, breach of public peace, and assault on public officers.

They pleaded not guilty to all charges and are set to reappear in court on October 8, 2024.

Several prominent Ghanaians joined the protest to express their dissatisfaction with the government's failure to end illegal mining.

See the posts below:

Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder…..Blessed Day

— H.E Prince David Osei (@PrinceDavidOsei) September 27, 2024