The recent remand of protesters raising their voices against the destructive galamsey menace in Ghana is not an isolated act of law enforcement, but a calculated move by the state to punish and silence those who dare to stand for the protection of our environment. The ongoing environmental devastation caused by illegal mining activities, or galamsey, has reached unprecedented levels, threatening the very survival of our communities, ecosystems, and future generations. Yet, rather than addressing this crisis head-on, the state appears to be more concerned with curbing the momentum of public resistance.

Through a series of intentional actions, from unjustified arrests to the suppression of peaceful protests, the authorities have demonstrated a pattern of behavior aimed at stifling environmental activism. The remand of demonstrators serves not just as a legal measure but as a psychological weapon, designed to spread fear and deter future protests. By imprisoning a few, the state seeks to send a clear message that, those who oppose the powers behind galamsey will face severe consequences. Felicity Nelson’s account of the psychological torture endured as a result of the treatment they faced during arrest and subsequent remand into custody is heartbreaking considering how far our justice system has advanced as a country.

The attempt to silence citizens is not limited to Accra but extends to countless communities across mineral rich and galamsey prevalent areas, where resistance against illegal or so-called illegal mining is met with forceful imposition. In many areas, communities that have campaigned against the devastation caused by community mining have been overrun by state-backed efforts to push it through, despite local opposition. This systematic betrayal is compounded by the collusion of politically exposed individuals who manipulate and control mining leases, all under the guise of creating jobs and generating revenue for the state.

The negligence and inaction of law enforcement and regulatory bodies in regions where galamsey is rampant exposes the state’s deliberate complicity. Communities are left to suffer the toxic consequences of polluted rivers and ravaged landscapes, while authorities turn a blind eye. This isn't mere negligence, it is a calculated ploy to perpetuate the exploitation of Ghana's natural resources at the expense of its people.

The state's refusal to take decisive action, its blatant disregard for the law, and its failure to protect the environment and its citizens raise a critical question: why is the government so adamant, so defiant in its refusal to act? The answer is clear: there is a deliberate capture of the nation’s resources by a greedy few who care more about their personal gain than the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people. This is not just neglect; it is a deliberate perpetuation of harm, an unforgivable betrayal of the very citizens the state is constitutionally bound to protect. By ignoring the cries of its people and failing to take action against galamsey, the government has violated the fiduciary duty and the social contract it swore to uphold. As enshrined in the Constitution, the Executive enters into a sacred contract with the people of Ghana, one that mandates the protection of our rights, well-being, and environment. Yet, through inaction and complicity, the state has broken this contract, prioritizing the interests of a corrupt few over the lives of present and future generations. This breach of trust not only undermines the core principles of governance but also erodes the very foundations of justice and accountability in Ghana.

But we must not be fooled. The focus on minor disruptions caused by protesters is a deliberate attempt to distract from the larger, more critical issue of the unchecked destruction of our water bodies, lands, and forests by illegal mining. While some may try to paint protestors as lawbreakers, the real crime lies in the state’s failure to protect the environment and the health of its citizens. Galamsey is an act of ecocide, and the state’s lack of effective action to stop it is a violation of the public trust.

Instead of supporting the citizens in their call for justice, the state has chosen to employ strategies to undermine the citizens demand for action on galamsey. The Ghana Police Service ignored court rulings on the freedom to assemble, denied legal access to detainees, and obstructed efforts to support them by moving detainees to undisclosed locations. Protestors were deprived of basic necessities, and the state’s actions reveal systemic corruption and disregard for citizens’ rights, showing its reluctance to address environmental degradation and protect the public. Claims that protestors blocked access to essential services or engaged in unlawful acts are part of a broader narrative designed to shift public focus. This is a classic tactic of governance impunity, shift the blame, vilify the opposition, and ensure that the real perpetrators, those benefiting from the illegal activities, remain unchallenged.

However, the fact is that the fight against galamsey is not a political one, but a moral, national, and existential crisis. This is about the future of Ghana, about the safety and well-being of every citizen, regardless of political affiliation. No Ghanaian will be spared the toxic waters and barren lands and associated diseases and harsh living conditions that linger long after all the gold is finished.

We must not allow the remand of these brave individuals to serve its intended purpose of silencing protest. Instead, let it embolden us to raise our voices louder, to demand justice more forcefully, and to hold those responsible accountable. The judges and authorities who condone this suppression must be called out, for their actions contribute to the continuation of this environmental catastrophe. It is obvious that our justice system did not take any good lessons from the posture of judges and officers of the judiciary service in Kenya following the recent clashes involving police and protesters asking for better living conditions.

This is not a time for silence, fear, or inaction. It is a time for unity, resistance, and determination. As a nation, we must come together to confront the menace of galamsey and ensure that the voices of those standing up for our environment are not drowned out by the forces that seek to silence them. The future of our country depends on it.

Author: Daryl Bosu.

Environmental Sustainability Advocate.

Email: darylbosu@gmail.com
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