In a joint effort to combat the recent environmental threat in Ghana—illegal mining, also known as galamsey—the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, in collaboration with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana, organized a solemn prayer walk dubbed “Environmental Prayer Walk Against Galamsey.”
This solemn yet powerful prayer walk on Friday, October 11, 2024 brought together hundreds of Catholics from the eight Deaneries in the Archdiocese of Accra. Among them were Priests, Religious Men and Women, and other concerned citizens from the country including the Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese.
Led by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, the procession began at the Holy Spirit Cathedral through some major streets of Accra, and concluded at the Christ the King Parish, cantonments.
A petition was delivered by the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, to the President’s representative, Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman, Deputy Chief of Staff.
In a petition signed by Archbishop Kwofie and Very Rev. Fr. Paul Saa-Dade Ennin, President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana, , it was stated that despite the Church’s efforts to take action against illegal mining through official communiqués and other statements that have fallen on deaf ears, it was important to organize the Environmental Prayer Walk Against Galamsey “to beseech God for His help and also to pray for those in public office who are vested with the power to direct our collective resolve.”
The petition read and presented by the Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, urged the President to take swift actions that would effectively combat the environmental degradation caused by galamsey by halting illegal mining activities in the country.
It also called on the President to declare a state of emergency regarding galamsey, implementing a ban on issuing mining licenses, revoking LI 2462—which permits mining in forest reserves—and other effective actions that would put a stop to illegal mining in the country.
In response to the petition on behalf of the President, Deputy Chief of Staff Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman assured that the President would address the issue of illegal mining and that measures are underway to stop it.
“I assure you that as soon as the President returns from his international assignment, he will engage in dialogue with the nation because this matter is of urgent interest to all of us… We shall give it our utmost attention; already some measures have been taken, and the President will communicate with the nation”, he said.
During the Episcopal Mass at Christ the King, after the petition was presented, Archbishop Kwofie delivered a message addressing illegal mining and cautioning those involved to put a stop to the menace.
According to him, all political parties, Catholics, non-Catholics, other religions and denominations, and ethnic groups are complicit in the destruction of the earth.
He stated, “Those in the pits looking for gold include NPP, NDC, GCPP, Movement for Change, CPP, etc. Those searching for gold are Catholics, Methodists, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Traditionalists, etc. Some of those in the pits are Ahanta, Fanti, Ewe, Ashanti, Ga, Guan, Dagaaba, Hausa, etc.”
He therefore called on political, religious, and traditional leaders to urge their followers to cease their involvement in illegal mining.
“Let each flagbearer call his or her followers to lay down their tools… I vehemently call on my Catholics to lay down their tools. Leaders of other religions and pastors of souls should do the same… We call on all chiefs and overlords to join us in stopping this menace… As a Church, we are very concerned,” he said.
The Catholic Church in Ghana has been at the forefront of advocating against illegal mining over the past few years through communiqués issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The Environmental Prayer Walk Against Galamsey marks a significant action, demonstrating the collective efforts of the church to safeguard Ghana’s environment for generations to come.
By Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatcgh.com
