The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has urged the government to declare a state of emergency to address the escalating illegal mining crisis, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the situation demands urgent and decisive intervention.
The President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, has called for stronger government action to curb the menace, citing its devastating implications for public health, environmental protection and the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
In an interview, Most Rev. Gyamfi cautioned that the dangers associated with illegal mining go beyond the destruction of forests and other natural resources, raising concerns about the contamination of water bodies, food supplies and the health of affected communities.
“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.
He maintained that the government must take a more aggressive approach to confronting the crisis, arguing that the protection of citizens and the country’s natural resources requires firm leadership and extraordinary measures.
According to him, the President has a constitutional responsibility to defend the country and its people, making the current situation one that demands a stronger response from the government.
“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 Bishops’ Conference believes that the scale of destruction associated with illegal mining calls for a coordinated national response to protect communities and prevent further damage to the environment.
Most Rev. Gyamfi further emphasised that efforts to combat galamsey must be sustained and backed by decisive action to address the growing threat to Ghana’s water resources, public health and overall environmental security.
The renewed appeal adds to calls for stronger measures against illegal mining, which continues to raise concerns over environmental degradation and the safety of communities across the country.
