CATHOLIC bishops in Ghana have publicly criticised President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government for what they describe as ‘weak, inconsistent, and corrupt’ efforts to halt illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey.’ This practice, notorious for its environmental devastation, continues to wreak havoc on the country’s ecosystem and communities.
The term ‘galamsey’ stems from the Ghanaian words for ‘gather’ and ‘sell,’ and it refers to illegal mining operations that often involve unsafe methods and result in severe environmental degradation. Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi of Sunyani, president of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, highlighted the complicity of political leaders and local chiefs, stating that their inaction has worsened the problem.
During a press conference on September 11, the bishops expressed alarm at the growing levels of environmental damage caused by these illegal activities, particularly in gold-rich regions. Ghana, which regained its title as Africa’s top gold producer in 2022, faces a darker side to its mineral wealth, as galamsey operations deprive the country of significant revenue and harm its natural resources.
A call for urgent action
Despite numerous appeals by the Catholic bishops over the years, illegal mining persists, leading to the destruction of water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands. Bishop Gyamfi underscored the gravity of the issue, linking it to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, which urges global action to protect the environment. ‘We have a moral responsibility to safeguard the earth for future generations,’ he said.
The bishops called on the government to move beyond ‘lip service’ and take immediate and decisive action to curb galamsey. They recommended enforcing existing laws, holding offenders accountable, and initiating a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate the public on the consequences of illegal mining. They also urged the restoration of areas affected by galamsey and advocated for community involvement in land reclamation efforts.
Mounting pressure from civil society
The press conference was attended by various stakeholders, including the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining. The coalition’s founder, Ken Ashigbey, warned that if authorities fail to act, the nation’s resources will be depleted beyond repair. He pledged that the media, along with labour unions, would take a more aggressive stance by conducting investigative reports and potentially seeking justice at the International Criminal Court.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) also weighed in, calling illegal mining an ‘existential threat’ to Ghana’s future. In a statement issued on September 12, the NCCE urged that galamsey be treated as a severe criminal offence, not just an environmental issue.
The bishops concluded by urging both large and small-scale mining companies to adhere to sustainable practices, insisting that the future of Ghana’s environment must not be sacrificed for short-term gains.
