The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has renewed its call for the government to declare a state of emergency to address illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the worsening situation demands more decisive action.
President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, said the government must intensify efforts to tackle illegal mining to protect the environment, safeguard public health and preserve the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
Speaking to Citi News, he cautioned that the consequences of galamsey go beyond environmental destruction, posing serious threats to water bodies, the food chain and human health.
“You cannot stop fighting galamsey. It is poisonous and very dangerous, creating other sicknesses, introducing illegal drugs into the water system, the food chain and etc,” he said.
Most Rev. Gyamfi argued that the scale of the crisis required the government to demonstrate a stronger commitment and consider extraordinary measures to bring the menace under control.
He maintained that the President must take firm action to fulfil his constitutional responsibility to protect the country and its citizens.
“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 said.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference believes the far-reaching effects of illegal mining require a decisive national response to protect affected communities and prevent further damage to the country’s natural resources.
Most Rev. Gyamfi stressed that the fight against galamsey must be sustained and backed by firm measures, warning that failure to act decisively could further threaten the environment and the well-being of the population.
