In a move aimed at reigniting urgency in the fight against illegal mining, the #FixTheCountry Movement has declared plans for a large-scale protest scheduled for May 1, 2025. The protest seeks tangible and immediate actions from the government to put an end to the destructive practice of galamsey.
Aligned with International Workers’ Day, the protest is strategically set for May 1 as a symbolic “Mayday” call for help, highlighting the severe environmental, social, and economic repercussions of illegal mining throughout Ghana.
At the forefront of this mobilization is Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the Convener of FixTheCountry Movement. He asserts that the protest is a necessary step in escalating public pressure due to what he perceives as the government’s inadequate response to the crisis.
Barker-Vormawor made it clear that the protest is not solely aimed at blaming the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration. Instead, he emphasizes that it serves as a reminder to the new leadership that galamsey is a critical issue that requires swift and sustained attention, transcending political transitions.
The urgency of the situation is emphasized by Barker-Vormawor, who insists that citizens can no longer stay passive while the country’s water sources are contaminated, and its forests are destroyed.
The selection of May 1 as the protest date holds a significant meaning for the movement, aiming to awaken a national consciousness and rally widespread support to eradicate illegal mining through concrete policy and enforcement measures.
This renewed activism follows a recent statement by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, reaffirming the government’s determination to combat illegal mining.
The Minister unveiled a comprehensive five-pillar strategy to address the crisis, including ongoing efforts to recover forest reserves previously controlled by illegal miners.
While the Minister’s commitments have been acknowledged, activists like Barker-Vormawor stress the need for immediate action and active citizen involvement. For him, the May Day protest symbolizes a collective call for the government to intensify its efforts against galamsey.
The upcoming protest is anticipated to draw a diverse range of participants, including environmentalists, students, activists, farmers, and concerned citizens, all united by the shared goal of combatting the detrimental effects of illegal mining.
With Ghana’s water bodies at risk, farmlands under threat, and biodiversity in peril, this May Day protest is expected to be a significant citizen-led demonstration demanding urgent action against the scourge of galamsey.