Kwadwo Ampong, a prominent Ghanaian gospel musician known as ‘Great Ampong’, recently made headlines for his controversial remarks about the anti-galamsey protesters in Ghana.
The protest, organized by the Coalition of Concerned Citizens against Galamsey, aimed to raise awareness about the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining and to advocate for the release of approximately 53 Democracy Hub protesters who were detained after an earlier demonstration on September 22.
In a video that has sparked widespread debate, Ampong accused the protesters of being influenced by external forces to undermine the current government. He questioned the timing of the demonstration, which took place just two months before the upcoming December 7, 2024, elections, and insinuated that the protesters had been financially motivated.
He expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the protest, stating, “Why did they wait until two months before the elections to demonstrate? Why now? It suggests they have been paid.” Furthermore, Ampong criticized the decision to hold the protest in Accra, arguing that it should have taken place in areas directly affected by galamsey activities.
The gospel musician went on to label the demonstration as “nonsense,” asserting that it was an orchestrated attempt to discredit the government.
He even suggested that if he were in a position of authority, he would not have granted the protesters a permit for the demonstration.
Ampong’s controversial remarks have sparked a heated debate in Ghana, with some defending his right to express his opinion and others condemning his statements as disrespectful to the concerns of the anti-galamsey movement.
The musician’s stance has raised important questions about the intersection of politics, environmental activism, and the role of public figures in shaping public discourse.
Story by Obaapa Janee
