Catholic Bishops renew calls for state of emergency over galamsey

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has once again urged the government to take more stringent action against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. In a recent statement, the Conference's President, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, emphasized that the escalating issue poses significant risks to public health, the environment, and the well-being of ordinary Ghanaians.

Speaking to Citi News, the Bishop stressed that the scope of the problem demands a more robust national response, suggesting the declaration of a state of emergency to tackle the crisis head-on. He highlighted the far-reaching consequences of illegal mining, which extend beyond environmental degradation to include contamination of water sources and potential health hazards through the introduction of harmful substances into the food chain.

"Galamsey is poisonous and very dangerous, creating other sicknesses, introducing illegal drugs into the water system, the food chain, and so forth," warned Most Rev. Gyamfi. The Conference believes President Akufo-Addo, who took an oath to protect Ghana and its citizens, must now demonstrate a more robust commitment to combating illegal mining through decisive action.

"Since the president of Ghana held the sword and swore to protect and defend Ghana, we should see him do certain things radically and these are situations where we say a state of emergency should be declared on this deplorable and wicked situation so that Ghanaians will be seen to be really and clearly defended," he argued. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference maintains that a sustained and firm approach is necessary to safeguard affected communities and prevent further damage to Ghana’s natural resources.

The Conference reiterated the urgency of intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining to protect citizens' health and ensure the country's environmental sustainability.