The Ghana Police Service has announced that it will strictly enforce a High Court order that bars the planned “Stop Galamsey” protest scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, because it coincides with President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament.
In a statement, the Accra Regional Police Command said a High Court in Accra granted an Order for Prohibition on February 24, 2026, preventing the organisers from holding the demonstration on the same date as the SONA. The ban was issued in the interest of public order and safety, given the security concerns that could arise from overlapping events.
The police also addressed claims circulating on social media by some protest organisers that they had not received any court documents. The Command clarified that the court order was duly served on the conveners according to legal procedures, and it remains in effect.
Authorities stressed that they will enforce the ban in line with the law and urged the public to comply with the court decision to prevent any actions that might lead to disturbances or breaches of the peace.
However, the Police indicated they remain open to talking with the protest organisers to agree on a new date for the demonstration in accordance with the Public Order Act, which governs public assemblies and protests in Ghana.
The “Stop Galamsey” protest has been part of ongoing concerns in Ghana about illegal small-scale mining and its environmental impact, particularly on rivers and forests.
