The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has urged the government to take strong and definitive measures against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, rather than just making empty promises.
In a statement shared by myjoyonline.com and dated September 11, 2024, the Bishops called on the government to use all available resources to tackle these illegal activities, enforce existing laws, and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.
The Conference also emphasised the urgent need to address the environmental destruction and social harm caused by galamsey, which continues to ravage Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and communities. They emphasized that solving this issue requires collective action and commitment from all sectors of society, not just the government.
The Bishops believe enforcing laws and holding those responsible for illegal mining accountable are key to stopping the damage it causes.
They called for everyone involved, including the government, lawmakers, judges, media, civil society, chiefs, and religious leaders, to fight galamsey.
The statement read “Immediate and Decisive Action by Government: We urge the government to stop the lips service in fighting galamsey by employing all available means to halt illegal mining activities.
“This includes enforcing existing laws, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that those involved in illegal mining face the full force of the law without fear or favour.”
The Bishops stressed that protecting the environment and the nation’s future requires everyone’s effort.
While they condemned illegal mining, they also recognized its economic importance to Ghana. They urged both large and small mining companies to follow environmental rules and practice responsible mining.
The Bishops also suggested creating alternative jobs for people involved in galamsey to help them find other ways to earn a living.
“Education and Awareness Campaigns: We call on the media, civil society organizations, and religious bodies to amplify education and awareness campaigns on the devastating effects of illegal mining. Communities must be empowered to understand the long-term consequences of galamsey.
“Restoration of Affected Areas: We urge the government to prioritize the reclamation of destroyed lands and the restoration of polluted water bodies.
They said economic hardship is a major reason people turn to illegal mining and therefore admonished political leaders to publicly fight galamsey during their election campaigns and ensure that their promises translate into real action.
“This process must involve local communities, led by the Chiefs and be transparent to ensure the recovery of the environment. We recommend strongly, a temporal moratorium on all licensed community mining activities,” it said.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
