Accra: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ghana (GCBC) has issued a strong appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to declare a state of emergency in the country’s most affected mining zones and along endangered water bodies, citing the devastating impact of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
In a statement released on September 15, the bishops described illegal mining as “a cancer in the national soul,” lamenting that current measures by the government are insufficient to address the escalating crisis. They warned that galamsey is not only destroying the environment but also threatening public health, national security, and the moral fabric of Ghanaian society.
The prelates highlighted widespread environmental destruction, with rivers, forests, and farmlands devastated by the use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide. They warned that the pollution of water sources has left communities vulnerable to cancers, skin diseases, kidney failure, and neurological disorders. Children are particularly affected, with many abandoning school to work in mines, while others have died in pit collapses.
The bishops also pointed to corruption, alleging that some political leaders, traditional authorities, security officers, and even faith leaders have been complicit in enabling the illegal operations. They framed the issue not only as a crime but also as a sin, stressing that galamsey undermines the nation’s moral values and threatens future generations.
To address the crisis, the GCBC proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes reforming mining laws, establishing specialized courts for faster prosecutions, and setting up a permanent, corruption-resistant task force comprising security forces, environmental experts, and local authorities. They also called for regulated small-scale mining zones to provide safer alternatives for those who depend on mining for survival, as well as nationwide land reclamation and afforestation programs to restore the damaged environment and create jobs for young people.
President Mahama, however, has so far dismissed the calls for a state of emergency, stating during a press briefing on September 10 that existing policies are sufficient. The bishops countered that delay amounts to betrayal, insisting that extraordinary action is needed to save Ghana’s environment and protect its people.
Civil society groups and the media have echoed the bishops’ concerns, warning that continued inaction risks deepening the environmental and social crisis. Observers note that the government’s response to the bishops’ appeal will be a critical test of its commitment to environmental protection and good governance.
The bishops concluded their appeal by reminding leaders that Ghana’s natural resources are a gift to be safeguarded, not exploited, urging immediate action to prevent irreversible damage.