The Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie has criticized those who advocate waiting until after elections to address the illegal mining (galamsey) crisis in the country.
He emphasized that prioritizing political timelines over immediate action puts the environment and public health at grave risk.
Speaking at the climax of the Environmental Prayer Walk Against Galamsey by the Archdiocese of Accra in collaboration with the Conference of Major Superiors, Ghana earlier today in Accra, the Prelate highlighted the severe degradation of water bodies and arable lands, stressing that the urgency of the situation demands a collective response from all Ghanaians.
He noted that Article 257 paragraph 6 of Ghana’s Constitution says in reference to gold: “Every mineral in its natural state, under or upon any land in Ghana, rivers, streams, water courses throughout Ghana . . . shall be vested in the President on behalf of, and in trust of the people of Ghana”.
“But we know that those who want us to wait till after elections are stealing the gold in its natural state. God tells us that when we arrogate to yourself what does not belong to us, we are thieves, hence the commandment states: “you shall not steal” (Ex 20:15) he added.
Drawing from the Church’s long history of advocacy against environmental issues, Archbishop Kwofie noted that past warnings have often been ignored. He pointed out that the Catholic Church has been vocal against galamsey since the 1980s, but mere words have proven insufficient in the face of such a widespread menace.
The prayer walk, he explained, is not just a call for spiritual support but a tangible plea for action that recognizes the immediate dangers posed by illegal mining activities.
Watch Archbishop Kwofie’s full speech below