Following the tragic helicopter crash involving eight government officials, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to order a stop to illegal mining in the country.
The eight, who tragically lost their lives on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, were on their way to Obuasi to launch a mining program aimed at combating illegal mining.
Archbishop Kwofie during his homily on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary expressed his condolence to the bereaved families, recalling a similar significant loss related to illegal mining activities in the country.
He said, “This tragedy comes after Major Mahama was killed mercilessly on a raid against Galamsey. My brothers and dear sisters, the death is getting too much and on a matter we can deal with.”
The Archbishop has called on President Mahama to take action against galamsey, noting that it can be stopped when the government and its citizens are willing to stop the “devilish business”.
“We continuously ask the President and those who advise him to do everything possible to stop Galamsey. Please, if we want to stop it, it will stop. And Until the President calls a halt to this devilish business, we shall not stop talking about it”, he stated.
Archbishop Kwofie also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in raising awareness about the dangers of Galamsey since 1980.
He also mentioned that the Archdiocese of Accra, alongside the Conference of Major Superiors, organized a peace walk against illegal mining, with other church groups including the Knights of Marshall, Knights of St. John International and Christian Mothers adding their voices to the fight against illegal mining.
Despite these efforts, he expressed frustration that their voices have “fallen on deaf ears”, urging the President to respond to their call.
He said, “Please, we are pleading, the silent voices do matter. We are pleading with the President to use his Executive Authority to order a stop to Galamsey.”
By: Veronica Sena Amenya
