Galamsey becoming source of employment for Ghanaian youth – Catholic Bishops

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has warned that illegal mining, known colloquially as galamsey, is becoming a primary source of employment for Ghana's youth, despite the severe environmental and societal damage it inflicts. The Conference also expressed alarm over the suspected involvement of political figures, such as politicians, Members of Parliament, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and traditional leaders, in galamsey activities.

These individuals' participation, according to the Conference, undermines the nation's attempts to curb this destructive practice, which continues to endanger Ghana's natural resources. During a meeting with Parliament’s Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture, and Religious Affairs, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, made these remarks.

He emphasized the urgent need for stringent and responsible measures to halt galamsey, stating that the environmental and social repercussions significantly exceed any potential economic gains. "Illegal mining is still ongoing, unfortunately, sadly, dangerously," he stated. "Youth unemployment, environmental degradation, we call for responsible and decisive action.

We are destroying God's creation." Most Rev. Gyamfi also disclosed that the Conference received a letter from an MP who was embroiled in a dispute with a Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) regarding galamsey. This letter, he noted, shed light on the challenges in combating this menace. He warned that the situation had escalated to the point where galamsey is being viewed as a legitimate means of job creation, while cautioning that Ghana is ultimately suffering more losses than gains.

"There is clear evidence that some chiefs, some politicians, some MPs, some MCEs engage in this," he said. "Now it appears that it is even formalised as a way of giving employment to people. But if we do the cost-benefit analysis, we see we are on the losing side greatly."