Hundreds of Ghanaian youth have taken to the streets of Accra today to participate in the ongoing “Free the Citizens” protest.
Many demonstrators joined with placards with messages such as “FREE THE CITIZENS”, “SAY NO TO GALAMSEY”, and “YOUR SILENCE MEANS YOU SUPPORT THEIR ATROCITIES.”
The crowd chanted popular slogans, including “Yɛn Ara Asase Ni”, often referred to as the unofficial Twi anthem, along with excerpts from Ghana’s national anthem, “And help us to resist oppressor’s rule, with all our will and might, forevermore.”
Shouts of “Free the citizens now,” “Tell your fathers,” “Tell the churches,” “Tell the ministers,” “Tell the president,” “Tell the truth,” echoed as they marched along the approved routes, under the supervision of the Ghana Police Service.
Today’s peaceful protest is the first of a three-day demonstration in Accra, demanding the immediate release of 53 protesters from the Democracy Hub, who were arrested during an anti-galamsey protest last week.
Under “FreeTheCitizens” and “SayNoToGalamsey” slogans, the demonstration also aims to raise awareness about the ongoing fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, and the destructive effects it continues to have on the country’s environment and communities.
The approved protest route will lead demonstrators to the Parliament House, the Lands Commission, and the Attorney General’s office, where they plan to present petitions.
Read also: Court Adjourns Bail Hearing for Democracy Hub Protesters to October 7
Source: ATLFMNEWS
