The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has urged the government to adopt more drastic measures to combat illegal mining, including declaring a state of emergency in high-risk areas.
In a communiqué, they described the ecological destruction as “a profound moral crisis and spiritual challenge”. The Bishops emphasised that creation is a “covenantal partner deserving respect”, not just a resource.
Recent figures show Ghana lost over 5,252 hectares of forest reserves to galamsey in 2025, with 44 of 288 reserves degraded and 75% of rivers polluted by mercury and cyanide. While acknowledging initiatives like NAIMOS, the Bishops demand a stronger response. They call on President John Dramani Mahama to announce emergency measures, prosecute offenders, reclaim damaged lands, and report transparently on environmental impact.
The GCBC praises chiefs and queen mothers taking a stand and urges citizens to join the fight, saying Ghana’s land and water must be “sanitised and healed” for future generations.
