The Katanga Alumni Association, representing former students of the University Hall at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has distanced itself from claims linking it to an alleged anti-galamsey protest.

The association denied any involvement in the rumoured demonstration, which reportedly aims to protest against illegal mining activities.

In a statement issued on Friday, 27 September 2024, General Secretary of the Katanga Alumni Association, Daniel Kwadjo Teye, clarified that while the association acknowledges the urgent national issue of illegal mining, or "galamsey," no official decision has been made to engage in a protest or any associated fundraising effort.

The statement specifically addressed an alleged campaign led by Jeffery Sackey, a KNUST alumnus who completed his studies in 2017 and currently resides in the United States.

According to the association, Mr. Sackey has been using the social media handle "Fellowhood" to promote a protest and solicit funds for an anti-galamsey cause.

However, the association disavowed Sackey's efforts, emphasizing that he holds no official position in the alumni body.

"Sackey has no position in the association, and his handles do not represent Katangees nor the views of the association," the statement read.

It further called on authorities to take appropriate action, stating: “Any illegality created or fomented by Katanga Fellowhood, its managers, and assigns, we ask the relevant authorities to deal with them as they may deem fit.”

The alumni association also announced that legal measures are being taken to protect its name and reputation from being misrepresented.

"For the avoidance of doubt, while the association fully supports efforts to protect and preserve our environment and is absolutely against its destruction by galamsey, we have not sanctioned any event or fundraising activity for this purpose," the statement clarified.

The association advised against engaging with Sackey or participating in his alleged fundraising efforts. "Anyone who engages with Jeffery Sackey and pays money to him does so at their own risk," it concluded.

This comes amidst increasing national concern about the environmental damage caused by galamsey, with numerous groups calling for decisive action to curb illegal mining practices.

However, the Katanga Alumni Association has made it clear that it is not involved in any direct protest action or fundraising activities linked to the cause.