Nigerian human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore recently visited Ghanaian activist Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who is currently being held in detention for organizing a public demonstration. Osagyefo updated his followers on X, expressing his appreciation for Sowore’s visit and ongoing commitment to fighting against poor governance in Africa.
“I want to sincerely thank comrade Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) for coming all the way from Nigeria to see me yesterday in police custody!” he wrote. He added, “The rise of a new generation of African leaders who reject subpar leadership and the shame of poverty inspires hope that the future of our continent will be drastically different. Our struggles are interconnected, and Africa will achieve freedom in our lifetime!”
In response, Sowore criticized the Ghanaian government’s decision to bring Osagyefo and other activists to court, deeming their detention unlawful and a violation of their fundamental rights. This development has raised alarms regarding the treatment of activists in Ghana, where there have been multiple reports of unlawful arrests and detentions in the past.
Sowore noted, “During my visit to the Accra regional police headquarters yesterday, we met with Comrade Lawyer Oliver Barker @barkervogues, who is unjustly imprisoned for standing against corruption in Ghana. We also encountered Comrade Ralph, a dynamic and fearless young activist from @Ghfixthecountry. These brave individuals are leading the #StopGalamseyNow movement, aimed at combating illegal mining that has severely impacted their water resources.”
He continued, “This morning, Oliver and the others who are being held unlawfully will appear in court in Accra. We demand the immediate release of the citizens from the Ghanaian government. Africa must unite! #RevolutionNow.”
From October 3 to 5, 2024, thousands rallied in Accra, Ghana’s capital, to call for an end to illegal mining—commonly referred to as “Galamsey”—and to highlight its detrimental environmental effects. The protesters pledged to maintain their pressure on the government until meaningful action is taken to address the issue.
They also called for the release of 53 youths detained following their arrest on September 24 during a demonstration against illegal mining, which they allege has polluted the nation’s water bodies and forests.
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