Catholic Bishops in Ghana Call for Synergy in Addressing Illegal Mining

The Bishops also emphasize the need for a widespread educational campaign. They call on the media, civil society organizations, and religious bodies to lead efforts in educating the public about the long-term consequences of illegal mining.

“Communities must be empowered to understand the devastating effects of galamsey,” they note, underscoring the role of awareness in combating environmental destruction.

In the statement, the Catholic Bishops in Ghana underline the need to restore all the areas that the illegal mining has affected in the West African nation. On this, they urge “the government to prioritize the reclamation of destroyed lands and the restoration of polluted water bodies.”

“This process must involve local communities, led by the Chiefs, and be transparent to ensure the recovery of the environment,” they say, recommending “a strong temporal moratorium on all licensed community mining activities.”

The bishops also advocate for the promotion of sustainable mining practices. Acknowledging that mining is an important part of Ghana's economy, they call on both large-scale and small-scale mining companies to operate in a way that protects the environment.

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“Mining must be carried out responsibly and sustainably, with strict adherence to environmental regulations,” the Bishops assert in their three-page statement on “Protecting our Common Home: A Call to End Environmental Degradation through Illegal Mining- Galamsey”.

Recognizing the economic drivers behind illegal mining, the bishops urged the government to invest in alternative livelihood programs for individuals engaged in galamsey.

“Many of those engaged in illegal mining do so out of economic desperation. We urge the government to invest in alternative livelihood programs that provide sustainable employment opportunities for these individuals, particularly in agriculture and other sectors,” they say.

The Bishops also direct a message to Ghana's political leaders, urging all Presidential and Parliamentary candidates to make public commitments against galamsey in their ongoing political campaigns.

“Say NO to galamsey,” the Bishops appeal, asking political leaders to prioritize the fight against illegal mining and environmental degradation in their platforms.

In the September 11 statement, the Bishops express their commitment to social justice and environmental protection. “We cannot stand by while our environment, which is a gift from God, is destroyed by greed and indifference,” they say.

They urge all Ghanaians to join hands in preserving the environment and protecting the dignity of human life. The Bishops emphasize that galamsey, which they termed "a crime of ecocide," must not go unpunished.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.