Police arrest 62-year-old and 10-year-old for partaking in demo against galamsey
The recent #ReOccupy Julorbi House demonstration in Ghana has sparked significant attention, with at least ten protestors, including a 62-year-old woman and a 10-year-old child, being arrested by the Ghana Police Service. This protest was organized in opposition to the government’s handling of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to devastate the country’s environment. Protestors gathered to demand action on a range of pressing national issues, with galamsey being a focal point due to its disastrous effects on forests, water bodies, and the health of citizens.
The arrests have caused an outcry, particularly regarding the detention of the elderly woman and the child. According to the police, the demonstrators defied orders not to use certain routes, leading to traffic disruptions
and subsequent arrests. The demonstrators, however, maintain that their actions were peaceful, with the 62-year-old woman insisting, “We have not committed a crime. We have not beaten anybody.” She and her 10-year-old daughter were reportedly released later after their brief detention.
The #ReOccupy Julorbi House demonstration has been building momentum, as frustrated citizens express their dissatisfaction with the government’s perceived inability to tackle the galamsey issue. Illegal mining has been a significant problem in Ghana, threatening both the environment and the livelihood of many communities. Forests are being cleared, and rivers polluted with toxic chemicals like mercury, used in mining operations. These practices have led to widespread destruction, compromising drinking water sources and agricultural land.
The police have maintained that their actions are in the interest of public safety and order. However, these arrests, particularly of vulnerable individuals like the 62-year-old woman and the young child, have been criticized as heavy-handed and excessive. Many see these arrests as a troubling development in how protests are being managed, raising concerns about freedom of expression and assembly in the country.
As of now, reports indicate that the 62-year-old woman and her daughter have been released. However, tensions remain high, with many wondering how the government will respond to the protestors’ demands moving forward. The #ReOccupy Julorbi House movement seems set to continue until the government takes tangible action to address the concerns raised by protestors, particularly on the galamsey crisis.
This protest highlights the growing discontent among Ghanaians about pressing social and environmental issues. It reflects the increasing pressure on the government to not only protect the environment but also ensure that the rights of citizens to protest and express their grievances are respected. How this situation evolves will likely have significant implications for Ghana’s democracy and its commitment to tackling the galamsey issue head-on.
