The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to declare a targeted state of emergency in areas worst hit by illegal and irresponsible mining, popularly known as galamsey, following what it describes as the failure of current government interventions to halt the environmental crisis.
In a strongly worded communique addressing pressing national concerns, the Catholic Bishops expressed deep alarm over the continued destruction of forest reserves, pollution of major water bodies, degradation of farmlands, and growing threats to public health.
The Conference noted that while the Mahama administration has introduced measures to tackle the menace, those efforts have fallen short of delivering the promised results.
“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 statement read.
According to the Bishops, such decisive action is necessary to pave the way for the development and strict enforcement of regulations that guarantee responsible and environmentally sustainable mining practices.
Appealing directly to the President as the father of the nation, the clergy called on him to “demonstrate courage and determination in saving the environment, and to show greater leadership in the fight against galamsey.”
The Conference stressed that protecting the environment is directly tied to human dignity, social justice, and the survival of future generations. It further called for a united front involving security agencies, regulatory bodies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens to defeat what it termed a “common enemy.”
The Bishops also demanded that authorities dismantle entrenched networks of complicity, enforce accountability, provide viable alternative livelihoods for affected communities, and encourage grassroots participation in environmental conservation.
Beyond the galamsey crisis, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference sounded the alarm over the rising tide of drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country, warning that the trend poses a grave danger to national security, public health, family stability, and youth development.
To curb the menace, the Conference called on state institutions to step up intelligence-led enforcement, ensure appropriate punishment for offenders, tighten border controls, and expand public education alongside rehabilitation services.
The Bishops concluded by urging families, schools, and religious bodies to play their part by strengthening preventive education and offering meaningful support to individuals battling substance dependency.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
