Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference urges state of emergency over galamsey

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called on the government to declare a national state of emergency to address the escalating crisis of illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey. Speaking on behalf of the conference, President Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi warned that the persistent destruction of the environment has reached a critical stage, requiring immediate and extraordinary intervention from the state. The bishops emphasized that the current situation represents a significant threat to the nation's survival and the well-being of its citizens.

Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies, public health, and general livelihoods. He noted that the pollution of major rivers has compromised access to clean water for many communities, while the use of toxic chemicals in mining activities continues to pose long-term health risks. According to the GCBC, the scale of the environmental degradation suggests that standard regulatory measures are no longer sufficient to curb the menace, necessitating a more robust and decisive national response to protect the country's natural resources.

The call for a state of emergency reflects growing concerns over the perceived lack of effective enforcement against illegal miners who operate in forest reserves and along riverbanks. The bishops urged the Mahama administration to demonstrate a stronger commitment to ending galamsey by deploying all necessary resources to restore law and order in affected areas. They argued that without a drastic shift in the government’s approach, the ecological and social consequences of illegal mining will continue to endanger the lives of future generations of Ghanaians.