Ama Governor Arrives In Court In Handcuffs Over Peaceful Galamsey Demonstration, Video
- Famous YouTuber and lawyer Ama Governor appeared before the court on September 24, 2024, with other protesters for protesting against illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey
- Speaking to the press while in handcuffs, she spoke about how she and other protesters were not given food or water after being detained for over 48 hours
- Many people spoke about the heavy police presence at the courthouse, while others spoke about the issue of galamsey in the comments
- National Operator, Young Reporters for the Environment Ghana, spoke to YEN.com.gh about the arrest of the protesters and the impact of galamsey
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Famous YouTuber and lawyer Ama Governor arrived at the Accra Circuit court in handcuffs after participating in a peaceful protest against illegal mining known as galamsey. She and several other protesters were arrested on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
Source: Instagram
Ama Governor appears in court
In a video sighted on social media, Ama Governor and other protesters were escorted to the Accra Circuit court for their court hearing on September 24, 2024.
Upon arrival at the court premises, the YouTuber was in handcuffs as she expressed her grievances about how several other protesters were manhandled and ill-treated in the cells.
She noted that since their arrest on Sunday, September 22, 2024, they were not given basic amenities of life such as water and food.
"You want to see us in this. You want to see a 26-year-old lawyer in this because she said stop galamsey. That's the only crime. Stop galamsey. Over 48 hours, no food, no water. You all should be proud."
While walking into the courtroom in the video, Ama Governor shouted saying,
"This is ridiculous. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery."
Ama Governor speaks after arrest.
Ama Governor arriving in court.
Reactions to Ama Governor's arrest
Many people expressed their displeasure at the Ghana Police Service and the Akufo-Addo government for not arresting the criminals involved in galamsey but rather the arrested protesters fighting against it.
Others were also concerned about the well-being of Ama Governor and other protesters who were arrested and detained.
Below are the opinions of Ghanaians on the videos:
@KwabenaOA said:
"I don’t think she’s broken. She’s resilient and unbowed despite being abused in this despicable manner."
@audreyxrxr said:
"In handcuffs while the criminals walk freely campaigning, just wow"
@_KwekuAnanse said:
"While galamseyers are there enjoying their afternoon free 🤣😂Comedy country"
celebritiesbuzzgh_ said:
"You won’t arrest people carrying out illegal galamsey. But you’ll arrest those calling for the right thing to be done. Hmm Ghana 🇬🇭 😂"
Video of Ama Governor's arrest.
"The protesters' arrest was not right" - Rosemary Balami
In an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, National Operator, Young Reporters for the Environment Ghana, Rosemary Balami discussed the protesters' arrest and the course they were protesting against, which is galamsey.
Speaking on the arrest of the protesters, she said that it was not right since they were protesting against something that was a key aspect of human lives.
"Galamsey is an existential Crisis, Galamsey is a national disaster that needs all stakeholders to find a solution to. The protesters are exercising their constitutional right as citizens and in a democratic society, citizens are allowed to protest without any form of arrest or intimidation."
Highlighting the side effects of the harmful practices of galamsey, Rosemary said that if an urgent solution to Galamsey is not found, in a few years to come, the country will be plunged into a water crisis as Ghana Water Company keeps lamenting how costly and difficult it is to treat our water.
She said Galamsey's impacts are dire, and every well-meaning Ghanaian must get involved in the fight, as it was our collective responsibility. She said that Ghana, which is a signatory to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, has six years to achieve them.
"So, how does Ghana achieve this when we can’t find a solution to a serious issue that destroys the environment like Galamsey? Galamsey is our collective fight, and the government must act on it with urgency. Ghanaians deserve better."
Ghana risks losing $50 million to galamsey
YEN.com.gh reported that the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana warned that if the galamsey menace were not stopped, the EU would ban the country's vegetable exports.
According to the Association's president, Dr Felix Kamasah, Ghana risks losing about $50 million in revenue if the ban were to take effect.
Mr Kamasah urged the Akufo-Addo government to be vigilant in curbing the galamsey menace before it was too late.
Proofread by Berlinda Entsie, journalist and copy editor at YEN.com.gh
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Source: YEN.com.gh
