Gospel Singer Great Ampong Criticises Anti-Galamsey Protesters, Questions Their Motivation

• Gospel musician Great Ampong is not pleased with anti-galamsey protesters and their activities
• In a video, Ampong, who described the protests as 'nonsense', urged the IGP not to grant any permits for such activities
• But music journalist Gabriel Myers Hansen has cautioned Great Ampong to refrain from such a confrontational stance

Gospel musician Great Ampong has sparked controversy by suggesting that recent anti-galamsey protests are orchestrated attempts to discredit the current government ahead of December's elections.

The protests, organized by the Coalition of Concerned Citizens against Galamsey, sought to address illegal mining concerns and advocate for the release of 53 Democracy Hub protesters detained following a September 22, 2024, demonstration.

Speaking in a recently circulated video, Isaiah Kwadwo Ampong, known professionally as Great Ampong, questioned the timing of the demonstrations.

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"Why did they wait until two months before the elections to demonstrate? Why now? It suggests they have been paid," he said.

The Hossana hitmaker criticised the protest's location, arguing that demonstrations against illegal mining should occur at actual galamsey sites rather than in Accra.

Ampong further suggested that he would have denied permits for the demonstration had he been the Inspector General of Police (IGP). He characterized the protests as "nonsense" and claimed they were designed to undermine the government's popularity.

The musician also addressed planned labour union strikes, suggesting these actions were misguided.

""You want to demonstrate against galamsey, but you're doing it at 37? It's a pointless demonstration. People are turning democracy into gyimicracy," he stated.

Watch the video below of Ampong's statement:

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Ampong shouldn't further taint his brand

Reacting to Great Ampong's 'attack' on the anti-galamsey protest, Music In Africa's Gabriel Myers Hansen, cautioned the singer to be mindful of his actions going forward.

According to Myers Hansen, Ampong's brand image is already precarious because of his constant politicking for the ruling NPP and must not aggravate his situation.

"Ampong is a great gospel singer, as his name suggests, but he must not be deceived into thinking he can't be humbled by the same fans who made him. Already his longstanding association with the NPP is seen as problematic by some people. So, the last thing one would want to see him do is to engage such banter.

"If for nothing at all, the anti-galamsey protest is seen by many as a national fight, and he must be mindful of that to not agitate people and cause disaffection for his brand. His handlers should advise him well," Myers said.

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Great Ampong challenges Owusu Bempah's Mahama prophecy

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh also reported that Great Ampong had challenged Apostle Owusu Bempah's prophecy of John Mahama winning the 2024 presidential elections.

In a recent interview, the gospel musician stated that even if the prophecy was true, God would change it on December 6 so that the NPP would win.

Owusu Bempah, closely linked with the NPP, had declared Mahama the next president of Ghana, a claim that Agradaa also disputed.

Source: YEN.com.gh