(Video) Ghanaians in New York stage protest against Akufo-Addo govt

The protesters in New York raised concerns about several issues troubling the nation, particularly illegal mining, economic instability, and what they perceive as growing corruption and judicial interference.

Video clips circulating on social media platforms showed the demonstrators holding placards, some of which read, “Stop the galamsey” and “Free the Democracy Hub protesters now.” The group also voiced their discontent by chanting slogans that reflected their frustration with the government’s handling of critical national matters.

This demonstration follows a series of protests in Ghana, where citizens expressed outrage over the negative impact of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, on the environment and livelihoods.

Moreover, there has been growing anger towards the country’s economic struggles, with inflation and unemployment hitting many citizens hard.

The protesters in Ghana sought to highlight the role of corruption and poor governance in exacerbating these challenges.

The Democracy Hub protests, which led to the arrests, began as a peaceful outcry against galamsey and other economic grievances but quickly escalated into a tense confrontation between demonstrators and law enforcement.

The police accused the group of unlawfully assembling and engaging in activities that disrupted public order. The authorities’ heavy-handed approach, including the detention of at least 42 individuals, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and activists.

In New York, the protesters expressed their solidarity with their counterparts back home, calling for swift action by the government to address the worsening state of governance and environmental degradation.

Their signs and chants reflected a deepening frustration with how Ghana’s leadership is handling key issues, particularly illegal mining, which has devastated local water bodies and farmlands.

Demonstrators emphasised that galamsey is not just an environmental issue but a symptom of larger structural problems in governance, including corruption and the inability of state institutions to enforce regulations.

Another key issue raised by the protesters in New York was the perceived decline of judicial independence in Ghana. Several placards carried slogans demanding a fairer judiciary and calling for reforms that would safeguard the rights of all citizens.

They also stressed that the arrest of peaceful demonstrators is a step in the wrong direction, questioning the commitment of the current administration to democratic principles.

One protester, who spoke to the media, lamented that the current administration was allowing environmental destruction and the abuse of civil rights to go unchecked. “We are here because we cannot sit back while our homeland suffers. We are calling on President Akufo-Addo to listen to the people. The country is in crisis, and we demand action now.”

The demonstration in New York is one of many expressions of discontent that have emerged in the Ghanaian diaspora.

In recent months, there has been increasing criticism from Ghanaians living abroad, who are leveraging platforms like social media to shed light on the challenges their home country is facing.

Their voices have added international pressure on the Ghanaian government to take more decisive action on illegal mining and to ensure the protection of civil liberties.

While the protest in New York was peaceful, the messages were clear and unyielding.

The demonstrators sought to amplify the voices of those arrested in Ghana and to bring global attention to the broader issues that they believe are being mishandled by the authorities.

Many of the protesters vowed to continue advocating for change until the government responds to the demands for environmental protection, better governance, and the immediate release of the detained activists.

Watch video below: