The National Sports Authority (NSA) has issued a stern warning against planned protests, including the “Stop Galamsey” demonstrations, during the Black Stars’ crucial 2025 AFCON qualifying match against Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium.
This announcement comes in the wake of recent protests in Accra, where Ghanaian youths rallied for three days to voice their concerns over illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, which has resulted in the pollution of rivers and posed a serious threat to public safety.
Protest organizers have expressed their determination to continue the demonstrations at the stadium, urging fans to wear protest attire in solidarity.
In response, the NSA has intensified its warnings just hours before kickoff, emphasizing that any individual found promoting a political agenda at the match would face apprehension. The stakes are high as the NSA aims to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during this significant sporting event.
In an official letter from the NSA’s Public Relations department, the authority highlighted that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disapproves of such protests, with severe consequences for those involved.
“Any individual or group of persons who openly display any political or pressure group paraphernalia, apparel, or placards at the Accra Sports Stadium will be apprehended by the security apparatus who will be deployed in and around the facility,” the statement cautioned, urging fans to comply with match day security regulations to avoid any sanctions.
