Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia spokesperson Dr Gideon Boako has stated that the demonstration by Democracy Hub dubbed ‘Stop Galamsey Now’ is politically motivated and not genuine.
Speaking to Peace FM on Friday, September 27, Dr Boako said that the protest was to sway away the views of Ghanaians on the works of the government of the day.
He questioned the timing of the protest, adding that the protest could only appear genuine if the protesters had engaged in a dialogue with government rather than resorting to demonstration that lacks a clear purpose.
According to him constructive dialogue is very important now in Ghana, considering how close the election is, he noted that protest at this critical moment could disrupt the upcoming general elections.
“Anyone leading a protest and believes that if any human being dies is nothing, it means their demonstration was more political than conservationists. So I believe two or three months to election, there is no genuine demonstration. It is a political protest, not genuine. They used galamsey as a decoy” he said.
His comments come after some Ghanaians hit the street to protest against illegal mining commonly known as ‘Galamsey’. The activity of ‘Galamsey’ has destroyed most water bodies, forest and farmlands.
The Ghana Water Company Limited has warned that in a few years Ghana will have to import drinking water due to the level of pollution in water bodies.
Meanwhile, 53 of the protesters have been remanded into police custody after they appeared in court and were denied bail.
The protesters have complained of abuse of their fundamental human rights by the Ghana police service, mentioning of starvation, being kept in unsanitary places, lack of access to their lawyers, amongst others.