Presby Moderator urges government to show political will to end galamsey

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has called on the government to demonstrate political commitment in combating illegal mining, also known as galamsey. He highlighted the significant toll the activity is taking on mining communities, including environmental degradation and contamination of water sources. The government has the authority and resources to tackle this issue, but requires the political will to take decisive action, according to Rt.

Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye. He emphasized that the effects of illegal mining are felt nationwide, not just in the specific areas where it occurs. The Presbyterian Church intends to continue using its platform to advocate against galamsey, citing its decision to host its annual symposium in Tarkwa, a mining town, instead of the capital Accra.

This move aims to bring the harsh realities faced by communities directly to the attention of its participants. The Moderator also commented on the National Red Sunday campaign, which followed the symposium, as an effective tool in highlighting the detrimental impact of illegal mining. He stressed the need for a united national response, stressing that the Church's campaign is not targeted at any specific political party.

The Moderator urged Ghanaians to cultivate a greater sense of urgency in addressing this pressing issue, noting that the first National Red Sunday took place in 2024 even when the ruling party was in opposition, indicating that the call for action is not party-based but rather centered on national welfare and development.