The National Catholic Laity Council has pledged their full support to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in addressing the urgent issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which is currently causing environmental and national destruction in the country.
In a statement released on behalf of Catholic lay faithful from various Dioceses and Parishes and signed by Sir John Kofi Tandoh, KSG, Chairman of the Council, they commended the Bishops’ Conference for their courageous stance against the destructive effects of galamsey.
The statement read, “We thank God for the courageous and prophetic voice of our Bishops, who, like true shepherds, have been speaking with clarity and urgency about this national calamity.”
The National Catholic Laity Council, while highlighting the dangers illegal mining has posed in water bodies, farm lands and mining communities, emphasized the need for immediate action from the government of Ghana, traditional leaders, and all citizens to “take bold steps to end the scourge of galamsey before it consumes the very soul of our nation.”
Additionally, they described the illegal mining menace as not just an economic or political issue, but also “a moral and spiritual crisis”, reminding all that “Creation belongs to God, and we are only stewards. To destroy the environment for selfish gain is to offend not only our neighbour but also God, the Creator and Owner of all things”
In light of this, they have joined the voice of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and are calling on the government to declare a state of emergency in the most affected mining zones.
The National Catholic Laity Council has also asked that people involved in illegal mining should be prosecuted without fear or favour, adding that the government should “Create sustainable alternatives, especially for the youth, in agriculture, technical training, and regulated small-scale mining and launch a nationwide programme of reforestation and land reclamation to restore our damaged environment.”
Furthermore, they have appealed to all Catholic lay faithful involved in illegal mining, whether directly or indirectly, to cease their activities immediately stating that it contradicts the values of the Catholic faith.
They added, “If you finance illegal mining, provide political or social cover, or remain silent while others engage in it, you share in the guilt. We urge you to repent and turn away. True discipleship demands that we be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world””
The National Catholic Laity Council has also asked all faithful to intensify education and advocacy in parishes and dioceses, support efforts at environmental protection and community clean-up campaigns.
“Teach our children the values of stewardship, honesty, and hard work and pray fervently for a national conversion of heart, that all may choose life and not death”, the statement read.
By: Veronica Amenya
