Ras Deportee, a former member of Shatta Wale’s Shatta Movement and an outspoken critic of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, has shared the troubling outcomes of his participation in an anti-galamsey protest organized by the Democracy Hub. In a recent interview on Hitz FM, Ras Deportee shed light on the infiltrations that compromised the protest, revealing that some individuals posing as allies were, in fact, informants for government authorities. He candidly expressed his disappointment, stating, “We were sold out.” This revelation underscores the increasing dangers activists face when opposing illegal mining, which has caused significant environmental damage in Ghana. The protest, intended to spotlight the adverse effects of galamsey, took an unfortunate turn as the presence of informants led to multiple arrests, including his own.
During the interview, Ras Deportee recounted how the infiltrators facilitated the arrests, marking a painful chapter for activists fighting for environmental justice. “We ended up in prison, simply for fighting for our people, for our land,” he lamented, emphasizing the betrayal felt by those who stood in solidarity for the cause. The protest, aimed at raising awareness of the destructive impacts of illegal mining on Ghana’s ecosystems, quickly transformed into a tense situation, resulting in significant ramifications for the participants. Ras Deportee’s account sheds light on the vulnerability of activists in the face of organized opposition, especially in a climate where dissent is often met with harsh retaliation.
Reflecting on his jail experience, Ras Deportee described the challenging conditions faced by himself and his fellow protesters. While the physical hardships of imprisonment were daunting, the emotional toll of betrayal by supposed allies weighed heavily on him. “It was not easy. The conditions in prison were tough,” he noted, expressing that the pain of betrayal was even more profound than the harsh realities of incarceration. Despite the negative experience, Ras Deportee articulated that these struggles only reinforced his determination to continue his advocacy against galamsey, illustrating his unwavering commitment to the cause even in the face of adversity.
Ras Deportee took the opportunity to reflect on the critical lessons learned from his ordeal, particularly emphasizing the need for vigilance and discernment among activists. He remarked, “One thing this has taught me is to be very careful about whom I trust,” highlighting the necessity of building a stronger and more reliable support network within activist circles. This awareness reflects a broader concern about the safety and effectiveness of grassroots movements in Ghana, making clear that trust can be both a vital asset and a potential liability in the fight against environmental degradation and other societal issues.
Despite the setbacks and challenges he has faced, Ras Deportee maintained a resolute stance on the importance of advocacy for the rights of Ghanaians and the protection of their environment. He firmly stated, “Advocating for the people, for our land, is something I will never stop doing,” demonstrating that the experiences of betrayal and hardship have not deterred him from his mission. Instead, his resolve to fight against illegal mining has only intensified, signaling a commitment to continue raising awareness and mobilizing others for the environmental and social causes at stake.
In summarizing his journey, Ras Deportee stands as a testament to the spirit of activism that persists even in the face of incredible challenges. His revelations about the dangers of infiltration in activist movements serve as an important lesson for others engaged in similar struggles. As he continues his fight against the exploitation of Ghana’s natural resources, his experiences underscore the critical need for solidarity, trust, and resilience among activists. Ras Deportee remains dedicated to advocating for the protection of Ghana’s environment and the rights of its people, emblematic of the broader fight against galamsey that continues to impact the nation.
