Ghana Catholic Bishops Urge State of Emergency Over Galamsey

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued an urgent statement condemning the destructive impact of illegal mining (_galamsey_) on Ghana’s environment, health, and moral fabric.

The bishops describe _galamsey_ as a “national emergency requiring decisive, extraordinary response”.

Environmental Damage: _Galamsey_ has ravaged rivers like Pra, Ankobra, Birim, and Ayensu, polluting water sources with mercury and toxic effluents. Forests are stripped, and farmlands are rendered sterile.

Health Risks:Communities face increased risks of cancers, skin diseases, kidney failure, and neurological disorders due to mining pollutants.

Galamsey_ has corrupted governance and fuels lawlessness and conflicts in mining communities.

The bishops urge President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency in affected mining zones. They advocate for:

Holistic Strategy: Revising mining laws, enforcing stiffer penalties, and creating a permanent task force.

Sustainable Alternatives: Offering alternatives to those driven to _galamsey_ by desperation.

Leadership Courage: Prosecuting offenders regardless of status.

Quoting Scripture and Pope Francis’_Laudato Si’_, the bishops frame the fight against _galamsey_ as a moral and spiritual imperative to protect God’s creation.

This was Signed by:_ Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Monday, September 15, 2025.