The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a powerful call for immediate and decisive government action to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, urging President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in the worst-affected regions.
At a high-level meeting with the President at the Jubilee House on Thursday, 23 May, the Bishops proposed a bold set of interventions, including the suspension of mining activities, the repeal of permissive mining legislation, and the deployment of military engineers for land reclamation efforts.
“We are ready to back you up in all ways to arrest this menace,” the Bishops said in their address, stressing the need to repeal sections of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which they argue have allowed mining to spread into forest reserves and water bodies unchecked.
The Church leaders further called for an immediate freeze on new artisanal and small-scale mining licenses until a comprehensive environmental and social impact review is completed. “There should be a limited state of emergency in all the affected zones,” they urged, “to suspend all mining activities temporarily.”
They proposed a multi-layered response that includes restoring lawful local governance, establishing district-level mining task forces, and involving civil society and religious observers in oversight roles.
In response, President Mahama acknowledged the severity of the crisis, revealing that 16 percent of Ghana’s forest reserves have already been destroyed or encroached upon. “We are intending to reclaim mined lands and restore forests through the carbon credit system,” he said, adding that the government is committed to reversing the environmental devastation.
Illegal mining has long plagued Ghana, causing widespread deforestation, river pollution, and social unrest. The renewed calls from the Catholic Bishops add significant pressure on the government to act with urgency and transparency in tackling one of the country’s most pressing environmental and social issues.
