The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has urged the government to declare a state of emergency in areas severely impacted by illegal mining,
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has urged the government to declare a state of emergency in areas severely impacted by illegal mining, describing the galamsey menace as “a profound moral crisis and a spiritual challenge” confronting the nation. The call was issued in a communiqué at the end of the Conference’s Annual Plenary Assembly in Damongo in the Savannah Region.
The Bishops warned that the extent of environmental devastation demands bold and decisive action from President John Dramani Mahama and relevant state institutions. Emphasizing the sanctity of the environment, the communiqué noted, “Creation is not a resource to be exploited,” but rather “a covenantal partner deserving of respect and care.”
The GCBC highlighted troubling statistics to underscore the urgency of the situation. In 2025 alone, more than 5,252 hectares of forest reserves have been destroyed by illegal mining, and 44 out of 288 forest reserves are now considered degraded. Additionally, an estimated 75% of Ghana’s rivers are polluted—primarily due to mercury and cyanide contamination from unregulated mining activities.
Though acknowledging government initiatives such as the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Bishops insisted that the current efforts fall far short. They called for stronger interventions, including swift and impartial prosecution of offenders—regardless of political ties—and a comprehensive reclamation of damaged lands.
They further recommended transparent national reporting on water quality, forest cover, and food safety to rebuild public confidence and ensure effective oversight.
The GCBC praised chiefs and queen mothers who have taken decisive action against galamsey in their communities, urging other traditional leaders to follow their example. They also encouraged citizens to support the collective effort to “sanitize and heal” Ghana’s land and rivers for the well-being of current and future generations.
The communiqué adds to mounting public pressure on the government to adopt a more robust and coordinated strategy to combat illegal mining, which continues to endanger livelihoods, public health, and national security.