Ghanaian gospel artist Isaiah Kwadwo Ampong, popularly known as Great Ampong, has raised concerns about the motivations behind recent anti-galamsey protests, suggesting that external forces are seeking to undermine the current government.
The demonstration, organized by the Coalition of Concerned Citizens against Galamsey, aimed to draw attention to the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining and to demand the release of approximately 53 protesters from Democracy Hub, who were detained following a rally on September 22.
In a video response, Ampong questioned the timing of the protest, which took place just two months ahead of the December 7, 2024 elections. “Why did they wait until two months before the elections to demonstrate? Why now? It suggests they have been paid,” he remarked.
He expressed his disapproval of the protest’s location in Accra, arguing that it should have been held closer to areas directly affected by galamsey activities. “If they were truly concerned, they should have gone to the galamsey sites. You want to demonstrate against galamsey, but you’re doing it at 37? It’s a pointless demonstration,” he added, labeling the event as “nonsense” and claiming it aimed to discredit the government.
As a devoted supporter of the New Patriotic Party, Great Ampong also weighed in on the planned strikes by labor unions, suggesting their efforts could be better directed. He criticized the current state of democracy in Ghana, asserting that the galamsey issue is being exaggerated. “People are turning democracy into gyimicracy. Someone prompted them to go on this demonstration to make the government unpopular,” he stated.
In related news, Ama Governor and eight other Democracy Hub protesters have been granted bail set at GH₵70,000 each, with two sureties required. They are to report to the police weekly and leave their Ghana cards at the court registry.
Their release comes amid protests in Ghana, the UK, and other locations around the world. Additionally, an appeal is pending regarding a similar bail denial for Oliver Barker Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, and ten others.
