The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called on the government to declare a state of emergency in areas severely affected by illegal mining, describing galamsey as “a profound moral crisis and a spiritual challenge” for the nation. The appeal came in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Conference’s Annual Plenary Assembly in Damongo, Savannah Region.
The Bishops stressed that the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining demands urgent and decisive action from President John Dramani Mahama and state authorities. “Creation is not a resource to be exploited,” the communiqué noted, emphasizing that the environment is “a covenantal partner deserving of respect and care.”
Citing alarming statistics, the Conference highlighted that over 5,252 hectares of forest reserves have been destroyed by illegal mining in 2025 alone, with 44 of 288 forest reserves now classified as degraded. They also warned that approximately 75% of Ghana’s rivers are polluted, largely due to mercury and cyanide from unregulated mining activities.
While acknowledging government efforts, including the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Bishops said these measures are insufficient. They urged the President to take stronger actions, including:
- Swift and impartial prosecution of offenders, regardless of political affiliation
- Full reclamation of degraded lands
- Transparent national reporting on water quality, forest cover, and food safety
The GCBC also commended chiefs and queen mothers who have taken strong stances against galamsey, encouraging other traditional leaders to follow suit. Citizens were urged to support efforts to “sanitise and heal” Ghana’s land and rivers for current and future generations.
The communiqué adds to growing pressure on the government to adopt a more aggressive and coordinated response to illegal mining, which continues to threaten livelihoods, public health, and national security.
