Ghana: The Ghanaian Bishops' Council has issued a firm directive prohibiting the acceptance of donations linked to illegal mining activities. This decision, made during a plenary session of the council and reported by the independent news outlet Fidesz, emphasizes the church's commitment to ethical integrity.  

The council resolved to reject any contributions derived from unlawful mining operations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining moral accountability. Specific guidelines were also issued to ensure compliance with this stance.  

Illegal and unregulated mining, particularly of resources like gold, has caused severe environmental degradation and social harm across Ghana. Recognizing this, the bishops condemned the injustices resulting from these practices and called on the faithful to resist any form of complicity, including accepting tainted funds from monopolies involved in such activities.  

In addition, the Bishops' Conference urged citizens to report illegal mining operations to authorities and actively participate in safeguarding natural resources. The directive also highlighted the importance of land ownership, advising communities to protect their land and prevent exploitation by external entities.  

This decision follows a previous incident where the bishops refused a donation from Kenya's head of state, a move that sparked widespread attention. Archbishop Philip Subira affirmed that the church would not compromise its principles or serve as a tool for political maneuvering.