The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) has urged the public, particularly media practitioners, to participate in a protest organised by the Ghana Coalition Against scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024, in Accra.

In a statement issued by the group on October 10, 2024, the group emphasised that the protest dubbed 'Red Band Protest Against ' seeks to draw attention to the detrimental impact of illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey in the country. "This protest is a critical call to action against the menace of illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, which continues to pose a significant threat to our environment, water bodies, farmlands, and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.

The rampant destruction of natural resources through galamsey not only compromises our future but also endangers the very existence of our communities," it stated.

The group further urged all stakeholders to unite in the fight against illegal mining activities, stressing the need to protect our communities from the galamsey activities. "It said the UPDN stands in solidarity with the Ghana Coalition Against and all stakeholders committed to saving our beloved nation from environmental degradation.