Halt illegal mining, freeze new licenses – Catholic Bishops tell govt
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has issued a urgent appeal to the government to intensify efforts against illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey,’warning that the country faces severe environmental and social consequences if decisive action is not taken.
Speaking at the conference in Accra, the Bishops demanded the immediate enforcement of existing laws to stop the destruction of water bodies, forests, and farmlands caused by illegal mining activities. They also called for a freeze on the issuance of new small-scale mining licenses pending a thorough review of the sector.
“We are deeply alarmed at the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and the seeming inability or unwillingness of authorities to halt it.
“This crisis extends beyond the environment, it threatens the health, livelihoods, and future of our people,” the statement said.
The Bishops criticized political interference in the fight against galamsey and called for a depoliticized, multi-stakeholder approach involving traditional leaders, religious groups, civil society, and local communities.
They urged the government to immediately suspend all new small-scale mining licenses and conduct a nationwide audit of existing operations. The Bishops emphasized the need for bold action to preserve Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.
Highlighting the wider impacts, they warned that illegal mining fuels corruption, lawlessness, and insecurity in affected communities.
The GCBC also recommended prioritizing land reclamation, investing in sustainable livelihoods for communities impacted by mining, and increasing funding for regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission, and Water Resources Commission.
The Bishops also called for national repentance and a moral renewal, stressing the importance of stewardship, integrity, and responsibility in protecting Ghana’s environment.
