The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has called for immediate, collective action from government officials to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
He made this appeal today, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at a briefing organized by the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, held at the Ghana International Press Centre.
Rev. Gyamfi criticized the poor enforcement of environmental protection and sustainability laws by government officials, noting that this negligence has led to the contamination of water bodies and widespread environmental degradation. “There is poor enforcement of environmental protection laws in Ghana. The enforcement of these laws is weak and has been very inconsistent,” he stated.
Describing galamsey as a misuse of God-given resources meant to promote good health and survival, Rev. Gyamfi expressed concern that, despite the consistent advocacy from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference over the years, the government has offered a little more than campaigns and unfulfilled promises in the fight against illegal mining.
“We wish to state that Ghanaians can no longer tolerate the lip service of our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, in the fight against galamsey. We need action, and we need it now,” he stated.
The Media Coalition Against Galamsey used today’s event to relaunch their campaign, alongside stakeholders, with new objectives aimed at intensifying efforts to end illegal mining in the country.
