Ama Governor sends message to protesters from prison

From within the confines of her prison cell, activist and lawyer Elorm Ama Ababio, more popularly known as Ama Governor, has sent a heartfelt message of solidarity to the ongoing #FreeTheCitizens protest.

Her letter, filled with a sense of urgency and purpose, has quickly become a symbol of resilience as the protest gains momentum across the nation.

The protest, which began on October 3, 2024, emerged from a larger social movement that calls for the release of Ama and nearly 50 other individuals who were detained following a demonstration organised by the Democracy Hub.

That earlier protest was aimed at drawing attention to illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey, and the broader environmental and social damage they cause.

In her stirring letter, Ama Governor addressed her fellow protesters, opening with the unifying call: “Dear Comrades, when I say ‘Aluta!’ you respond ‘Continua!’”

These powerful words reflect the strength of her spirit and the unity driving the movement. She urged protesters to remain resolute in their mission, reminding them of the historical significance of their struggle against injustice and environmental degradation.

Ama’s letter also pointed out how crucial this moment is in Ghana’s history. She expressed that October 3, 2024, marks a pivotal day when the youth of the country, undeterred by attempts to divide them, stood united.

Their collective action, she noted, is not only about opposing galamsey but also about demanding transparency, accountability, and the release of political detainees who, like her, have been arrested for standing up against the destruction of the country’s resources.

In a particularly moving part of the letter, Ama Governor referenced Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

She linked the protest to Nkrumah’s legacy of fighting for independence and progress, suggesting that his spirit is aligned with their cause.

“His soul smiles on us today,” she wrote, reminding the protesters of the profound historical connection between their fight and the broader struggles for freedom and justice in Ghana.

Her message has further energised the protest, sparking a wave of online support. Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for her courage and to amplify the movement’s demands.

The protest continues, gaining widespread attention as it calls not only for the release of the detained activists but also for a fundamental change in how the nation’s resources are managed and protected.

Ama Governor’s words, delivered from behind bars, have only added to the resolve of the demonstrators as they push for change and justice.