Reports suggest a total of 50 Ghanaian protesters from the Democracy Hub were remanded into custody following a court hearing in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The demonstrators, initially numbering 39, were arrested during a three-day protest at the 37 Roundabout, with additional arrests made after clashes with security forces.
They were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, and assault on a public officer, among others.
The protests, which began over the weekend, were organized to voice concerns about key national issues, including illegal small-scale mining, also known as galamsey and broader economic mismanagement.
🇬🇭#FreeTheCitizens Update: The 11 Democracy Hub protestors who appeared in court today have been remanded into police custody.
— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) September 25, 2024
They are expected to reappear tomorrow, September 26. #OccupyJulorbiHouse #StopGalamseyNow
More: https://t.co/FncfvoOXn2 https://t.co/vDtRtfmNVb pic.twitter.com/L0hmSQ1osu
Subsequently, trending footage on social media shows the Ghana Police Service escalated tactics during the second day of the protest, resulting in a major confrontation on Sunday, September 22.
In the aftermath of the arrests, Ghanaians took to social media, expressing outrage under trending hashtags such as #FreeTheCitizens and #StopGalamseyNow. Many have condemned what they see as the government’s heavy-handedness in dealing with peaceful protests. Alongside this criticism, there has been growing disappointment with certain celebrities and artists who have remained silent on the issue, with some accusing them of not using their platforms to speak out against the injustice.
🚨🔴: We stand together with our Ghanaian family and those who have been arrested by the police for adding their voices to the fight against the destruction of our lands.
— RevolveMuzic (@Revolve_Muzic) September 26, 2024
s/o to @stonebwoy for this sound to amplify the menace! #GreedyMen #FreeTheCitzens #StopGalamsayNow pic.twitter.com/dhrYsil62G
While prominent figures like Stonebwoy, who previously addressed the galamsey menace through his song “Greedy Men,” and the likes of Camidoh, Efya, KiDi, Cina Soul, RBD, Kojo Cue, Beeztrap KOTM, among others who has been vocal on social media, adding their voices, many others have stayed out of the conversation. The silence of these public figures has sparked a debate about the role of celebrities in shaping national discourse and influencing social change.
It is crucial for artists and celebrities to engage with the pressing issues facing their communities. As cultural icons with significant followings, they have the power to bring national challenges to the forefront and inspire action.
Dear whom ever it may concern, minus ur uniforms or titles, you are just a citizen who drinks water from the same source as everyone else, ply same roads and spending same currency…
— TopBoy🤴🏽 (@Camidoh) September 25, 2024
use ur power / positions wisely.
Silence, in moments of national distress, can be seen as complicity. Artists like Stonebwoy and Camidoh exemplify how impactful it can be when public figures lend their platforms to social causes—helping to galvanize public support and pressure decision-makers into action.
#FreetheCitizens pic.twitter.com/RXsEL9HnH0
— YDL (@KOJO_Cue) September 25, 2024
The influence of these cultural figures extends far beyond entertainment, they represent the hopes and voices of the very people affected by the challenges being protested. By joining national conversations, they can contribute meaningfully to the fight for justice, accountability, and sustainable change.
Ultimately, the power of celebrity is most effective when it is used for more than self-promotion but for the good of society.
By: Jude Tackie
