The public outrage over the Ghana Police Service's crackdown on protesters, who were voicing concerns about the devastating damage caused by galamsey activities to forest reserves and water bodies, has crossed national borders.

American-Ghanaian writer and journalist for The Washington Post, Karen Attiah, has criticised President Nana Dankwa Addo Akufo-Addo for his perceived neglect and indifference toward the pressing issues and challenges facing the country, particularly concerning galamsey.

In response to a post shared by TV3 on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the alarming 2,800% increase in mining licenses issued under President Akufo-Addo's administration compared to just 57 licenses since 1995, Karen Attiah criticised him for going about his business in New York while remaining seemingly unconcerned about the environmental crisis and the arrest of protesters advocating against illegal mining.

During his recent visit to New York, President Akufo-Addo received the 2024 Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award, which honors his exceptional contributions to global peace, democracy, and human development.