Catholic Bishops Demand State Of Emergency On Galamsey, Raise Alarm Over Drugs, School Abuse And Conflicts
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a targeted state of emergency in areas most affected by illegal and irresponsible mining (galamsey), saying government’s interventions so far are not producing the desired results.
The call was contained in a Communiqué issued by the Conference at the end of its Annual Plenary Assembly held at the Divine Providence Pastoral Centre, Jamasi, in the Konongo-Mampong Diocese in the Ashanti Region, from November 3 to 14, 2026.
The Assembly was held under the theme: “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for Her 150th Anniversary in 2030”.
The Communiqué was issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the St. Paul Cathedral in the Konongo-Mampong Diocese and signed by the President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani.
Galamsey: Time For Emergency
The Bishops said they remain deeply concerned about the devastation caused by galamsey, particularly the pollution of water bodies, destruction of forest reserves, degradation of agricultural lands and threats to public health.
“Considering that the interventions put in place by the government of President Mahama are so far not producing the desired, promised and expected end of the menace of galamsey, we believe that it is NOW time to declare a targeted state of emergency in the locations most affected by illegal and irresponsible mining,” the Bishops stated.
They called on the President, as father of the Republic, to demonstrate courage and determination in saving the environment and to show greater leadership in the fight against galamsey.
The Bishops urged regulatory institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, religious leaders and all citizens to join forces to defeat the menace, confront networks of complicity, ensure accountability, provide sustainable livelihood alternatives and promote community participation in environmental protection.
Drug Trafficking And Substance Abuse
The Bishops also expressed great distress over the alarming rates of drug trafficking and substance abuse, which they said pose a threat to public health, family stability, youth development and national security.
They called on relevant institutions to intensify intelligence-led enforcement, border controls, public education and rehabilitation services, while families, schools and religious institutions strengthen preventive education and support for persons affected by substance dependency.
Indiscipline And Abuse In Schools
On education, the Bishops raised concern about growing indiscipline in some educational institutions, including some mission schools, citing reports of violence, disrespect for authority, examination malpractices and vandalism.
They described as heart-breaking allegations of sexual abuse of minors in schools by some adults under whose care they had been placed.
They called on the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, school authorities and the Police to investigate the allegations dispassionately and let the law take its course, and to strengthen discipline, character formation and moral education.
The Bishops also encouraged a renewed Government-Missions partnership in the management of mission schools, founded on mutual respect, clearly defined responsibilities and fidelity to their founding ethos.
Family Values Bill
On the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, the Bishops noted Parliament’s decision to rescind its earlier passage of the Bill.
They encouraged Parliament and the relevant constitutional institutions to approach any further consideration of the matter with speed, constitutional fidelity, legislative diligence and due regard for its moral, social, cultural and human rights implications.
The Conference reiterated the Church’s commitment to the sanctity of human life, the dignity of every person, and the authentic understanding of marriage, family and human sexuality.
Conflicts In Bawku And Kalba-Gbinyiri
The Bishops said they are deeply disturbed by the persistence of conflicts and communal tensions in various parts of the country, particularly in Bawku and Kalba-Gbinyiri.
While acknowledging the recent reduction in violence in these areas, they urged all parties to exercise restraint, renounce violence and embrace dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
They particularly called for the full and faithful implementation of the recommendations in the report on the Kalba-Gbinyiri conflict, without selective application or undue delay.
AI And The Church’s Mission
On Artificial Intelligence, the Bishops, drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical _Magnifica Humanitas – Magnificent Humanity_ (2026), affirmed that technological advancement must remain at the service of the human person and the common good.
They committed to developing a pastoral response through education, research and ethical reflection, and urged all to guard against misinformation, disinformation and manipulation of digital platforms.
150 Years Of Catholic Church In Ghana
The Bishops said the Church is four years away from its 150th anniversary celebration, marking 150 years since the faith began in Ghana in 1880.
The anniversary will be observed under the theme: “150 Years of Catholic Evangelisation in Ghana (1880-2030): A Journey of Faith, Mission and Hope”.
Preparations will include:
– 2027: Year of Jesus Christ, The Son of God
– 2028:Year of the Holy Spirit
– 2029: Year of God the Father
– 2030:Climax of celebrations
The Bishops said the anniversary must transcend celebrations and become an occasion of ecclesial conversion and missionary renewal.
The Conference congratulated Ghana and the Holy See on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1976-2026), and the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Associations (NUGCDPA) on its Golden Jubilee.
It also commended the successful organisation of the maiden West Africa Youth Days held at Achimota School in Accra, which brought together about 4,000 Catholic youth from 13 countries.
The Bishops further commended the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong for its disability-friendly infrastructure and urged Church and State authorities to ensure public and ecclesial facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
