The three-day demonstration titled “Stop the Galamsey and Re-Occupy Julorbi House,” organized by Democracy Hub, took a chaotic turn as protesters clashed with police at the 37 Military roundabout.
Initially organized to voice concerns over the recent illegal mining activities, the situation intensified when tensions flared between protesters and the Ghana Police Service.
Republic Press journalist, Sheila Mensa reported that the situation remained calm until the Democracy House demonstrators returned from their meeting at Max Mart. Upon arriving at the 37 roundabout, they attempted to push through the police barricades and engaged in confrontations with the officers.
While trying to capture the clash on video, her phone was smashed by a protester who warned her to stop filming.
An eyewitness at the scene reported that Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the leader of Democracy Hub, pushed down the barricades and removed the key from the police tow truck that was preparing to tow the protesters’ vehicle parked in the middle of the road.
The police called for reinforcements to restore order, leading to the arrest of several protesters.
In response to the chaotic scene, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Public Affairs Director of the Ghana Police Service, stated that a warning has been issued to the organizers of the Democracy Hub protest to reconsider the seven proposed locations.
She emphasized that the police will not permit any obstructions at the 37 intersection to ensure a smooth flow of traffic, allowing the public to conduct their business without interference.
“We want to reiterate that these seven locations remain available, and if the organizers accept them, the police are prepared to provide the necessary security for their activities,” she said.
Observing the situation, ACP Ansah-Akrofi noted that some demonstrators had attempted to obstruct traffic by parking vehicles to block the intersection and physically confronting officers at police barricades. In light of these unlawful actions, the police felt compelled to make arrests to maintain law and order.
“Our commitment to preserving peace is steadfast. We assure the citizens of Ghana that the police are here to fulfill our mandate without any disruptions,” she affirmed.
Regarding the arrests, she explained, “We extended an invitation to the organizers yesterday, but despite numerous requests, unlawful acts persisted. They requested a meeting with us this morning at 10 AM, and while we were prepared, our priority is to ensure law and order on the ground.”
“I will need to verify the details before providing an update. I am aware that a woman with a child is among those detained, and I will check the list of those arrested. Once we have completed our screening, we will keep the public informed.” ACP Ansah-Akrofi reacted to the number of protesters arrested at the scene.
Background
On day one of the Democracy Hub demonstration, motorists travelling from the Airport area towards Accra Central faced significant roadblocks as all major routes, including those passing through 37 Military Hospital, Burma Camp, and Ako-Adjei Interchange towards Kawukudi, were blocked by the protesters.
The roadblocks marked the start of the three-day protest, dubbed “Stop the Galamsey and Re-Occupy Julorbi House,” organized by Democracy Hub.
The protest, which kicked off on September 21, 2024, is aimed at drawing attention to the rampant illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, and the severe environmental damage it has caused across the country.
Organizers of the demonstration made it clear that no vehicles, except emergency services heading to the 37 Military Hospital, will be allowed to pass through the affected roads.
Additional images from the chaotic scene.
