A three-day street protest dubbed “Stop Galamsey Now,” aimed at pressuring the government to halt illegal mining activities, is in full swing in Accra. Organized by Democracy Hub, a coalition of civic groups, the protest seeks to draw attention to the devastating impact of illegal mining, known as galamsey, on Ghana’s forests, lands, and water bodies.
The protesters are demanding a direct and decisive intervention from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, calling for a presidential order to put an immediate stop to all illegal mining activities, particularly in forest reserves and along key rivers.
The protest is part of a broader movement by civil society to combat galamsey, which has wreaked havoc on the environment, contaminating water sources and rendering farmland unusable.
Calls for Broader Participation
Various prominent groups, including Organized Labour, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Ghana Medical Association, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and the Ghana Water Company Limited, have already issued statements condemning illegal mining. They have held press conferences and have put immense pressure on the government to act swiftly in saving the environment.
Among the many vocal advocates against galamsey is the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), which has repeatedly called for action from the government and traditional authorities. However, despite their strong words, many are asking when the GCBC will lead Catholics in nationwide action to stop illegal mining.
The Church’s Environmental Mandate
The Catholic Church, guided by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, has been one of the most vocal defenders of the environment globally. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis calls for “care for our common home,” warning of the irreversible damage to the planet if immediate action is not taken. The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in the Vatican has also stressed the need for concrete actions to protect the environment and uphold the dignity of life.
In light of this, many concerned Catholics argue that the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference must go beyond issuing statements and take more decisive action against galamsey.
“At this point, we don’t need just words and statements; we need a strong action that will force the hand of those responsible to act responsibly,” commented a priest on social media.
What More Can Be Done?
Sunday Masses are a central part of Catholic life in Ghana, and with thousands of faithful gathering in parishes across the country, some are asking if now is the time for the GCBC to organize a nation-wide protest after Mass services.
The idea would be for priests and bishops to lead parishioners in peaceful marches, sending a powerful message to the government and illegal miners alike: Stop Galamsey Now.
What about the Church “praying the rosary on the streets as a form of protest could be an effective and peaceful way to push the President to take action?”
Silence from Catholic Leaders in Government?
Adding to the controversy is the noticeable silence of some Catholic leaders in high positions of power, particularly within government circles. Their reluctance to publicly support anti-galamsey efforts has sparked concerns about whether they are turning a blind eye to the environmental destruction for political reasons. As Catholics hold prominent positions within the current administration, their voices could make a difference, yet they have remained largely quiet on the matter.
Jesus’ Call for Action
Many within the Church are pointing to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who consistently urged leaders to take action in protecting the vulnerable and upholding justice. The Bible is clear about the moral responsibility to protect the earth and all life within it. In the Gospel of Matthew (25:35-40), Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for others and acting on behalf of those in need. The apostles, too, called for stewardship of God’s creation and urged Christians to stand against wrongdoing.
As the protest continues, the question remains: Will the Catholic Church and its leaders in Ghana step up to lead the charge in a more direct and public way?
The Church’s teachings clearly align with the protection of the environment, and with illegal mining posing a significant threat to the future of the country’s natural resources and the health of its people, now may be the time for action.
Acta Non Verba: Action, Not Words
For many, the time for talk has passed. The galamsey crisis is destroying lives and livelihoods across the country, and the message from civil society is clear, action must be taken now. The phrase Acta Non Verba – action, not words, has been circulating within the protest movement as a call to push those in positions of power, including the Church, to take concrete steps toward ending illegal mining.
As Sunday’s Mass approaches, the eyes of many Catholics will be on the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, waiting to see whether they will lead the faithful in the fight against galamsey, not just with prayers but with action.
