If you’re reading this, you know this article isn’t in my usual lane. It’s not about turning you on, teaching sex ed, or diving into my personal mental health journey. This is bigger than that. This is about my country, Ghana, and a crisis that demands all our attention. What’s happening right now is too important to ignore, and every single one of us needs to speak up.
The Heartbeat of Ghana’s Protests #StopGalamseyNow
In the heart of Ghana, there’s a sound that refuses to be silenced—a cry for justice. It’s a chorus of voices rising from the streets, and if you listen closely, you’ll hear the frustration, the anger, but also the undeniable hope of a people pushed to the brink. What we’re witnessing is more than just protests over illegal mining or economic struggles; it’s a battle for survival. It’s a movement demanding change, a better future, and, above all, accountability.
The Destruction of Life
I find it difficult to grasp the sheer devastation that illegal mining, or galamsey as we call it, has left in its wake. Rivers that once flowed freely, supporting entire communities, are now poisoned. Imagine standing by the River Bia, Ankobra, or Pra, waters that once gave life now tainted with mercury and cyanide. These rivers used to be the lifeblood of families—where they fished, gathered, and celebrated. Now, they look on, their hearts heavy with grief as their heritage is destroyed.
We are at a crossroads, and the numbers are staggering—over 60% of our water bodies are contaminated. It’s hard to breathe when you realize what that really means. The air, thick with despair, mirrors the economic struggles we face.
What’s more, inflation is eating away at the very core of our survival. What used to be basic—bread, fuel—has now become a luxury. A loaf of bread is no longer a staple but a symbol of how far we’ve fallen.
It makes me think about the families struggling to keep going, living each day on the edge, wondering if they’ll have enough for tomorrow.
The Mental Health Crisis
As if all that isn’t enough, there’s a silent crisis sweeping through our nation—one we don’t talk about enough. Our mental health.
Mentally, we are suffering. The statistics are heartbreaking. The Mental Health Authority reported a 20% rise in suicide rates this year alone. That’s not just a number—that’s someone’s son, someone’s daughter, a friend, a neighbor whose light was extinguished too soon.
Each life lost is a dream unfulfilled, and it’s hard not to feel the weight of that hopelessness when you see it reflected in the eyes of those around you.
Walking through the streets, I can’t ignore the silent cries. Some of our youth, once so full of life and ambition, are now watching their dreams slip away. Unemployment is soaring, and with it, a deep bitterness for what’s been stolen from us.
I remember a time when children’s laughter filled the air, but now, there’s a deafening silence. It’s the sound of dreams deferred. This pervasive sense of hopelessness also seeps into our relationships. How can we foster intimacy and connection when we are burdened by the weight of despair? Mental health issues can lead to emotional disconnect, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to engage in healthy relationships, and this cycle only deepens our collective pain.
The Birth of a Movement
In the face of this despair, the #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse movement has emerged as a powerful response. On September 21, 2024, citizens gathered in Accra, united by their demand for justice and accountability. This movement isn’t just about illegal mining; it’s a fight for our survival.
We are demanding more from our government—more protection for our people, for our land, for our future.
While I couldn’t be there physically, I felt the energy and determination of those who marched for change. Every chant for justice was a battle cry against the corruption and neglect we’ve endured for far too long.
The Struggle for Justice #FreeTheCitizens
Unfortunately, the path to justice has not been easy. Peaceful protesters have been met with harsh and unjust treatment from the authorities. Reports emerged of shocking incidents during the protests, where a 62-year-old woman, a 10-year old girl, and a pregnant woman were arrested, subjected to inhumane treatment that no citizen should ever have to endure.
The brutality faced by these brave demonstrators—who were simply exercising their rights—reveals the dark underbelly of a system that is supposed to protect its people. The very individuals tasked with safeguarding our rights have turned against us, further deepening the sense of betrayal felt by many.
Witness accounts describe scenes of chaos and fear as the protesters were violently dispersed. Protesters have been wrongfully accused of inciting violence, labeled as troublemakers when all they sought was to voice their frustration and demand accountability. Each accusation is not just a stain on their character; it is a strike against their dignity, a denial of their humanity. The harsh treatment faced by these brave individuals leaves a scar on our collective conscience.
The emotional toll of witnessing such injustice is immense.
A Call to Action
As I sit here and reflect on everything that’s happened, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. We are resilient. These protests, this movement—it’s more than just a reaction to a crisis. It’s a reminder that within each of us is the strength to rise up, to demand better, and to fight for what’s right. Every protester out there has a story—a personal reason for why they march. And each story is important because together, they form a powerful narrative of struggle, loss, and above all, hope.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t just their fight. It’s yours. It’s mine. It’s all of ours. We all have a stake in the future of Ghana. What happens to our rivers, our land, our people—these are not distant issues. They are directly tied to our collective health, both mental and physical. As our environment crumbles, so too do our hopes for a thriving future. And in this turmoil, our ability to love, to connect, and to heal is at stake. The urgency to address mental health issues has never been more pronounced, as they are crucial for fostering healthy relationships and building a community that can withstand the test of time.
Join the Movement
So I ask you, from the bottom of my heart—what will you do? How will you support this cause? Attend the protests. Share these stories. Educate your family and friends about what galamsey is doing to our nation, to our people. Each one of us has the power to make a difference. Together, we can demand the change that we so desperately need.
Let’s stand firm, united, in our commitment to a better Ghana—a Ghana where our rivers run clear, our communities flourish, and our mental health is treated with the care it deserves. As we march forward, let’s remember that every voice, no matter how small, matters.
We can be the hope in this dark time. We can reclaim our future. Together, we can create a society that values justice, mental health, and strong relationships as the cornerstones of a thriving community.
