The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC) has expressed grave concern over the government's handling of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, calling it a national crisis that has not been given the urgency it deserves. In a statement issued on Monday, September 15, 2025, the GCBC criticized the government’s failure to treat the escalating galamsey problem as an urgent national issue, especially in light of recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House.
The Bishops voiced their disappointment, suggesting that the President’s comments may inadvertently legitimize the harmful practice of illegal mining rather than working to curb it. "Wittingly or unwittingly, these statements seemed to support the environmental terrorism and menace of galamsey," the statement read. "Such narratives and justifications will only serve to perpetuate impunity and undo years of government efforts to make galamsey unpopular. This is deeply unfortunate."
The GCBC further warned that the prolonged tolerance of illegal mining has already caused severe environmental damage, particularly the pollution of water bodies that serve as a vital resource for over 20 million Ghanaians. The Bishops also raised alarms about the destruction of farmlands, especially those producing essential crops like cocoa, rubber, and oil palm, leaving farmers with shrinking arable land. In addition, they highlighted the degradation of approximately 50 forest reserves, a situation that worsens Ghana’s climate vulnerability.
"This destruction will have dire long-term consequences for our society," the Bishops cautioned. They also expressed concern over the impending economic impact, noting that the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) seeking a 280% increase in water tariffs, citing pollution caused by illegal mining operations. The Bishops stated, "This is not a request for a tariff increase; it is an admission of catastrophic failure. It is an invoice being presented to the Ghanaian people for a mess we did not create. We are being forced to pay for the crimes of others."
The GCBC further explained that several water treatment plants across the country have either collapsed or are on the verge of collapse due to the damage caused by illegal mining. For example, the Kwanyarko Water Treatment Plant has recorded turbidity levels as high as 32,000 NTU, while the Bunso plant has been closed for nearly a year. The Kyebi facility is operating at minimal capacity and frequently shuts down.
For the GCBC, the galamsey crisis is no longer just an environmental issue—it is a matter of economic justice and national survival. The Bishops issued a direct challenge to the government, asking, "If we cannot confront the galamsey crisis with bold actions, then what kind of nation and people are we becoming? What kind of government would we be said to have?"
The Bishops’ statement serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for coordinated action to combat the galamsey crisis, which threatens the very foundation of Ghana’s environment and economy.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments