Human Rights Lawyer Charles Owusu Juanah has expressed concerns over the ongoing anti-galamsey protests, warning that they pose significant security risks to the country. Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Monday, Juanah, identifying himself as a “Concerned Citizen,” acknowledged the legitimacy of calls to end illegal mining but raised alarm over the politicization of the protests, which he believes could escalate into a national security threat.
Juanah drew parallels between the current situation in Ghana and the early stages of the Sierra Leone civil war, which he personally witnessed. He cautioned that such protests, if not managed carefully, could spiral into larger conflicts. “The Sierra Leone war began with protests like these, and it eventually degenerated into a full-scale war,” he stated.
The lawyer further highlighted the strain that the ongoing protests have placed on law enforcement, warning that the police force is overstretched and under pressure, making the situation a potential threat to national security. “There is so much tension in this country because of these protests. The Police are overstretched, and it’s a threat to our national security,” Juanah stressed.
He also pointed out the possibility of external threats, such as jihadists, exploiting the current unrest. According to him, extremists could use the ongoing tensions as an opportunity to destabilize the nation. “Jihadists are all over, looking for situations like ours to strike. Ghanaians need to be cautious in their efforts to stop galamsey,” he warned.
Juanah advised Ghanaians to channel their concerns through the democratic process by voting in the upcoming elections and allowing the newly elected president to take decisive action on the galamsey issue. He argued that the current political climate makes it difficult for the sitting president to effectively address the crisis.
“They should allow Ghanaians to elect their President, and afterward, we can tackle the galamsey issue with a fresh mandate. Once we have a new government in place, we can then take decisive action,” Juanah emphasized.
Source: newsflashafrica.com