Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly condemned the actions of protesters from the Democracy Hub, who vandalized and burned NPP paraphernalia during an anti-galamsey demonstration at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Mustapha expressed his frustration over the destruction of party property and vowed to defend it in future protests.
He said “Me and my boys are around Afrikiko, and I’m told the lunatics vandalizing NPP campaign paraphernalia have left, they’re done for today,” Salam said.
He accused the Ghana Police Service of failing to act during the destruction. “The Police Service saw the vandalism and did nothing to stop them. We have also noticed how the media happily gave these hooligans coverage without any condemnation.”
While acknowledging the right to peaceful demonstrations, Mustapha drew the line at the destruction of NPP property, calling it a “provocation that we will not ignore.”
He urged NPP supporters to gather at the 37 Roundabout the following morning to protect their party property. “We will be there to defend our assets from any further destruction,” he declared.
The protest by Democracy Hub was aimed at pressuring the government to take stronger action against illegal mining, known as galamsey, which has been severely damaging Ghana’s water bodies.
The demonstration, marked by the burning of NPP-branded materials, reflected the protesters’ frustration with what they see as the government’s failure to address the environmental crisis.
The atmosphere during the protest was tense, with rhythmic chants of an NPP campaign song intensifying the standoff between the demonstrators and the ruling party.
While the burning of the paraphernalia was a symbolic act of defiance, the protesters’ message was clear—they want urgent action on galamsey.
In response, the Ghana Police Service called for public cooperation as they worked to manage traffic disruptions caused by the demonstration. “Our officers are on the ground to ensure a smooth flow of traffic,” the police stated, while thanking the public for their patience.
As discontent grows over the environmental impact of illegal mining, tensions between the ruling party and protesters are likely to escalate, especially with Salam Mustapha’s call for NPP supporters to protect their property in future demonstrations.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
