Anti-galamsey demonstration is politically motivated - Vim Lady

Popular Ghanaian broadcaster Afia Pokua, popularly known as Vim Lady, has alleged that the recent demonstration organized by Democracy Hub, aimed at combating illegal mining (galamsey), is politically motivated.

According to her, politicians often use such protests to tarnish the image of the sitting government, particularly in the lead-up to elections.

In a video shared on her Tiktok handle, Vim Lady stated that politicians tend to mobilize individuals to stage demonstrations to sway public opinion against the ruling party during election periods.

She echoed the sentiments of Independent Presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, who had earlier suggested that a major political party was behind the Democracy Hub protest.

"I support the idea that the police should grant bail to the Democracy Hub demonstrators because they should be aware of the modus operandi of protests, especially in an election year. It's always politically motivated by the opposition," Afia Pokua said.

"For the first time, I agree with Cheddar. This demonstration is politically motivated and it's not just this one, Kume Preko, CJA, Let My Vote Count, and now Democracy Hub have all been politically motivated. Don't be surprised if Oliver Vormawor gets a deputy minister if the NDC wins power."

Vim Lady expressed support for the release of the arrested protesters. However, she emphasized that while their release is important, the actions that led to their arrests should be condemned.

"Even though I support calls for their release, the act that got them arrested must be condemned," she added.

The Democracy Hub protest, which called attention to the harmful effects of illegal mining on the environment and the need for government action, resulted in the arrest of several individuals.

The court has since remanded a number of the demonstrators.