It was a day filled with chants, energy, and a united demand for one thing—the end of illegal mining, known in Ghana as galamsey.

The third and final day of the three-day protest echoed not only the call to stop the environmental destruction but also the demand for the release of 53 protesters arrested two weeks ago.

The march began at Okponglo in Legon and moved through key streets in Accra on Saturday, October 5.

University halls keeping the fire blazing at #FreeTheCitizens protest.#StopGalamseyNow pic.twitter.com/w7MKSkYSmT

— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 5, 2024

Led by police, the determined youth, mostly dressed in red and black, sang patriotic songs to amplify their message.

The placards they carried spoke volumes, with inscriptions like “We need clean water,” “Stop galamsey now,” and “Akufo-Addo, let my people go,” reflecting the urgency and emotion behind the movement.

Our voices went up as the rains came down. I’m proud of my brothers and sisters.

We did it! Now #FreeTheCitizens.#StopGalamseyNow pic.twitter.com/Ay0j7lhvtI

— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 5, 2024

After a grueling 12-kilometer walk, the demonstration culminated near the Accra Sports Stadium, transforming into a vigil for the detained protesters.

There, the vigil developed into a sensitization session with the screening of a documentary by JoyNews' Erastus Asare Donkor which detailed the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghanaians including babies.

#FreeTheCitizens protest: The vigil has developed into a sensitization session with the screening of documentary by @JoyNewsOnTV’s Erastus Asare Donkor. It details the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghanaians including babies.#StopGalamseyNow pic.twitter.com/Vd3liPS6Gp

— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 5, 2024

Despite a heavy downpour, the passionate crowd remained, honoring those arrested and demanding their immediate release.

In the pouring rain, the voices of Ghana’s youth were unwavering.

As the day draws to a close, #FreeTheCitizens protestors begin a heartfelt vigil. #StopGalamseyNow

7:15pm pic.twitter.com/46a5spyfYu

— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 5, 2024

Their message was clear—an end to the destruction of their land and freedom for those who had dared to speak out.

Days 1 and 2 saw petitions being presented to the Attorney General's Department and the Lands Ministry.