The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has renewed its call on the government to declare a state of emergency to address illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the worsening crisis requires urgent and more decisive action.
The President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, said the government must intensify efforts to combat illegal mining to protect public health, the environment and the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
Speaking to Accra-based Citi FM, he warned that the impact of galamsey goes beyond environmental destruction, posing serious threats to water bodies, the food chain and public 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 stressed that the government must demonstrate a stronger commitment to ending the menace, arguing that the severity of the situation justifies extraordinary measures.
“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 Conference maintains that the devastating effects of illegal mining require a decisive national response to protect communities and prevent further damage to the country’s natural resources.
Most Rev. Gyamfi reiterated that the fight against galamsey must be sustained through firm action and a clear commitment to safeguarding the environment and the well-being of the population.
