“Fellow Catholics will fight you” – Bishop Asare laments resistance to anti galamsey fight

Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, has raised concern over resistance from within the Catholic community in the fight against illegal mining, indicating that some Catholics are among people pushing back against efforts to protect the environment.

Preaching at the 2026 Benefactors’ Day celebration at St Paul’s Seminary, Sowutuom, the Bishop expressed frustration at what he described as opposition from fellow Catholics when the Church speaks against galamsey.

“We speak about Galamsey, which is destroying our environment. And for us Catholics, because of Laudato Si, long before Laudato Si, we had Arbor Day, we plant trees, we talk about the environment. The Catholics, somebody will approach you and say bishop, you people don’t know what is happening, don’t go there.”

He further revealed that resistance has persisted across political cycles, with shifting attitudes depending on who is in power.

“Galamsey, fellow Catholics, will fight you. When we spoke during the past government, some people were supporting us. Now they are in government, they are saying cool down.”

The Bishop also questioned political involvement in Church led environmental advocacy, stressing the need for a more clearly defined Catholic voice in the fight against environmental destruction.

“When I came from Europe, I was so angry. I said, Bishop, we don’t need any politician around us.”

He indicated that he had even considered a more strictly Church led demonstration to avoid external influence.

“This is solely Catholic. In fact, I wanted priests and religious sisters to do the march so that everybody would know that it’s us. Because when the laity join us, we won’t know those who are infiltrating? Just us.”

The Bishop warned that some individuals who previously supported the Church’s advocacy are now urging restraint.

“We’ve got people using all kinds of means to join us. Today the same people are telling us, let’s hold on. There are new plans.”

Watch the homily below