In a recent incident, a 62-year-old man and a 10-year-old child were arrested during a demonstration against illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, in Ghana. The protest was organized by concerned citizens who wanted to voice their disapproval of galamsey, which has devastating consequences on the environment and water bodies across various regions. The harmful practice of illegal mining has long been a contentious issue in Ghana, causing pollution of rivers and land degradation, affecting not only the environment but also the livelihood of communities dependent on these resources.

The arrests of the elderly man and young child have drawn significant attention, sparking outrage on social media and in public discussions. Many people question the decision to detain individuals from such contrasting age groups, especially a minor, during a peaceful demonstration. The arrests raise concerns about the fairness of law enforcement practices, particularly in protest scenarios, where demonstrators seek to bring attention to important issues.

While authorities claim the arrests were necessary to maintain order, critics argue that targeting vulnerable individuals, such as an elderly person and a child, reflects poorly on the handling of the protest. Activists and civil society organizations have condemned the arrests, calling for the immediate release of both individuals and a more measured approach to addressing the public’s concerns about galamsey.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between citizens and the government over illegal mining and its consequences. Galamsey continues to be a significant challenge in Ghana, with authorities and activists divided on how best to address the practice without infringing on civil liberties.