The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has appealed to President John Mahama to urgently declare a state of emergency in response to the escalating menace of illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
The religious leaders cautioned that any further hesitation would constitute a betrayal of national trust.
“Illegal and uncontrolled mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—has emerged as one of the most severe threats of our era,” the bishops stated. “It devastates our waterways and forests, contaminates the land, jeopardizes public health, undermines governance, weakens our moral compass, and destroys livelihoods. This is not a routine issue to be handled with minimal effort; it is a national crisis demanding bold and exceptional action.”
They expressed sorrow over the contamination of rivers once known for their purity—such as the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, Offin, and Ayensu—which are now tainted with mercury and hazardous waste. They highlighted that the Ayensu River’s turbidity had reached 32,000 NTU, far exceeding the Ghana Water Company’s treatment limit of 2,500 NTU, rendering purification impossible.
The bishops described the destruction of forests and farmland as a deep violation of divine stewardship.
“The earth belongs to the Lord and everything in it. To defile creation through galamsey is not merely a wrong against fellow citizens; it is a grave transgression against God Himself, the Creator and rightful Owner of all,” they declared.
They warned of devastating consequences for farmers, families, and children.
“Farmers can no longer rely on the land to support their households, and our ability to nourish the nation is diminishing. Children, lured by the illusion of fast wealth, abandon education for dangerous mining sites, with many perishing in avoidable collapses.”
The bishops accused politicians, traditional leaders, and security personnel of protecting illegal miners.
“This breach of trust strikes at the core of our national identity. We urge such leaders to repent immediately.”
They also voiced disappointment over President Mahama’s refusal to declare a state of emergency during his September 10 media briefing.
“In both January and May 2025, our Conference presented these concerns directly to him, only to receive inadequate responses focused narrowly on economic benefits. At his ‘Meet the Press’ event on September 10, he dismissed the call for emergency measures. This is deeply alarming. Time is running out. Delay is betrayal. Action must be taken now—not later.”
The bishops called on the President to impose emergency measures in affected mining areas, including curfews, land restoration, dismantling of illicit networks, and rooting out corruption in mining oversight.
“The magnitude of this disaster warrants nothing less.”
However, they emphasized that such declarations must be supported by stronger legislation, harsher penalties, dedicated courts, and a corruption-resistant task force. They also advocated compassion for struggling miners through regulated small-scale mining zones, agricultural support, and a nationwide tree-planting initiative.
“Justice must be impartial. The government must hold accountable not only the poor but also the powerful; not just the vulnerable but also the influential. Without bravery, no policy will endure, no law will be enforced, no declaration will succeed.”
Finally, the bishops urged all Ghanaians to reject illegal mining, called on chiefs to uphold their sacred responsibilities, politicians to prioritize the nation’s welfare, and security forces to serve with honor.
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