Government has officially withdrawn a court application that sought to block an upcoming protest against illegal mining — commonly known as galamsey — paving the way for the demonstration to proceed as planned.

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The decision, confirmed by Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, comes in the wake of a legal effort initiated by the Greater Accra Regional Police Command.

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The police had approached the Accra High Court for an injunction to stop the protest organised by the Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS), led by media figures Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah and Kwame Appiah Kubi.

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The GRPS intends to rally public pressure for decisive government action against the destructive effects of illegal mining operations across the country.

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In their affidavit, the police cited security concerns, alleging that the organisers had not responded to official correspondence and had failed to obtain clearance to use Liberation Square — a restricted zone under the Ghana Armed Forces. They also warned of possible infiltration by “undesirable elements,” noting the lack of detailed information about participants.

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However, in a Facebook post on Friday, Justice Srem-Sai revealed that following high-level discussions with national security and intelligence agencies, the Attorney-General’s Department ordered the withdrawal of the application.

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“After two meetings with the security and intelligence agencies yesterday, the Attorney-General directed that the application for injunction to restrain the anti-galamsey demonstrators be withdrawn.”

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“The injunction application was duly withdrawn this morning. The demonstration will be allowed to go on EXACTLY as the demonstrators have proposed."

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“The right to demonstrate is protected by the Constitution. President John Mahama understands the true meaning of this right."

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“His Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, will not violate or allow anyone to violate the citizen’s right to demonstrate. Da yie.”

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With the injunction lifted, the protest is set to take place on April 28 and 29, 2025. It will begin at Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, proceed along the Ring Road, and end at Liberation Square, directly opposite Jubilee House. The demonstration is scheduled to run from 4 PM until midnight on both days.

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