Catholic Bishops' Conference demands state of emergency in galamsey hotspots
The Bishops said the persistent destruction of water bodies, forest reserves and agricultural lands required more decisive government action, including exceptional measures to confront the menace.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has urged President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency in regions heavily impacted by illegal mining activities. The Bishops argue that current government interventions have not yielded the desired results and that more decisive action is needed to protect the environment. In a statement released following their annual plenary assembly in Jamasi, Ashanti Region, the Bishops emphasized the severe consequences of galamsey, including the destruction of water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands.
They urged the President to show greater courage and determination in safeguarding the nation's environment, proposing that the emergency measure would facilitate the implementation of regulations promoting responsible and environmentally friendly mining practices. The Bishops warned that the ramifications of illegal mining extend beyond environmental degradation, stressing that the preservation of natural resources is intertwined with human dignity, social justice, and the welfare of future generations.
They called for accountability, sustainable livelihood alternatives, and active participation from various stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, security agencies, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and citizens, in combating this pervasive issue.
Written by urgent.news from 3News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
