Galamsey: State of Emergency urgent, but not enough – Catholic Bishops

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has cautioned that while declaring a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas may be necessary, it is not sufficient to address the full extent of the devastation caused by illegal mining

In a statement issued on Monday, September 15, 2025, the Bishops urged the government to adopt a comprehensive and long-term national strategy that goes beyond temporary crackdowns.

They warned that Ghana’s environment, public health, and national integrity remain at serious risk, stressing that only bold, coordinated action can deliver lasting solutions.

“While urgent, a declaration is insufficient,” the statement read. “Ghana requires a holistic, integrated national strategy.”

The Bishops proposed several critical reforms calling for a complete overhaul of mining laws, including stronger enforcement mechanisms and tougher penalties for offenders, and the establishment of specialised courts to fast-track prosecutions related to illegal mining.

In addition, the Conference urged the creation of a permanent, corruption-proof task force composed of security services, environmental experts, and local authorities to ensure consistent enforcement and prevent a return to business as usual after temporary interventions.

However, the Bishops were clear that enforcement alone is not the solution. They emphasised that justice must be tempered with mercy, noting that many people involved in galamsey are driven by poverty and desperation.

To address this, they recommended the creation of properly regulated small-scale mining zones with environmental safeguards, along with technical and financial support. They also called for land restoration, access to credit, and training for displaced farmers, and the launch of a nationwide afforestation and reclamation programme to restore damaged lands and create dignified jobs, particularly for the youth.

The Bishops appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to show strong leadership by ensuring that enforcement targets not only the poor and vulnerable but also those in positions of power.

“His government must prosecute not only the poor but also the powerful; not only the weak but also the well-connected. Without courage, no policy will stand, no law will hold, no declaration will succeed,” they said.

Addressing other segments of society, the Bishops called on chiefs to act as true custodians of the land, politicians to put national interest first, and security agencies to act with integrity. They also urged religious leaders to speak boldly and truthfully.

 “This struggle is not merely about law enforcement. It concerns the very soul of Ghana… Let us choose life, for ourselves, for our children, and for generations yet unborn,” the statement admonished.