The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called on the government to move beyond mere rhetoric and take concrete actions against illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.”
At a joint press briefing earlier today, the Bishops expressed their deep frustration over the persistent environmental damage caused by these activities, which have severely impacted Ghana’s ecosystems, water bodies, and communities.
President of the GCBC and Bishop of Sunyani, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “We, the Archbishops and Bishops, of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, have, over the years, been consistently vocal about the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining… The Conference is deeply concerned about the persistent and alarming levels of environmental degradation.”
The Bishops highlighted several critical issues, including the pollution of vital rivers such as the Pra and Ankobra, which has rendered them undrinkable and unfit for agricultural use.
They also pointed to the destruction of agricultural lands and the health risks posed by harmful chemicals like mercury. “We have noted sadly through the recent press statement from the Ghana Water Company Limited… This has negatively impacted the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities,” they remarked.
Many political, traditional leaders selfishly involved in galamsey – Catholic Bishops fume
The statement criticized the weak enforcement of environmental laws, attributing the ongoing crisis to “corruption, complicity of political leaders, chiefs, and the lack of political will.” The bishops declared, “Ghanaians can no longer tolerate the lip service of government in fighting galamsey.”
In their call to action, the GCBC urged the government to implement “immediate and decisive action” against illegal mining, stressing the need to enforce existing laws and hold offenders accountable.
They also called for “education and awareness campaigns” to inform communities about the long-term effects of galamsey and “the restoration of affected areas,” advocating for a temporary moratorium on community mining activities.
Additionally, the bishops noted the importance of promoting sustainable mining practices and supporting alternative livelihood programs for those economically dependent on illegal mining.
They also urged “all Presidential and Parliamentary Candidates to make public commitments against galamsey in their ongoing political campaigns.”
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