The Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD) is set to stage a demonstration on September 30, 2024, to protest the government’s inaction regarding illegal mining issues.

This demonstration will involve various civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), youth groups, and advocacy organizations.

Executive Director of YADD-Ghana, James Kofi Martey, addressed the media, expressing concerns that the issue of illegal mining has been politicized by political leaders, particularly President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He stated that over 30 million Ghanaians are calling for a ban on illegal mining due to its detrimental effects on the nation’s forests and water bodies. However, he accused the President of ignoring these calls in favor of a minority who do not prioritize the nation’s interests.

“Those engaging in illegal mining are less than 1 million, and about 30 million people are calling on you to stop something. You are saying that if you stop it, people will not vote for you. Thirty million votes against three million votes— which one are you going for?” Martey questioned.

He urged the youth and other advocacy groups to join YADD in demonstrating against the government’s failure to implement strategic measures to regulate illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”

Mr. Martey emphasized that the President is elected to serve the needs of citizens and must respond to their concerns if things are not progressing as expected.

Mr. Martey attributed the ongoing galamsey crisis to institutional and constitutional failures, calling for constitutional reform to address the controversies surrounding illegal mining.

He argued that a proper constitutional review is essential for eradicating poverty and promoting democratic accountability in Ghana.