The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has urged President John Mahama and his government to show courage in tackling the galamsey menace by prosecuting not only vulnerable small-scale miners but also the politically connected individuals who shield and profit from the illegal trade.
The Bishops noted that some politicians, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), chiefs, religious leaders, and security officials are complicit in the destruction by shielding galamsey operators or granting illicit concessions for personal gain.
They described this betrayal as one that “cuts to the very marrow of the nation’s identity.”
According to the statement, President Mahama has so far given unsatisfactory responses, dismissing calls for a state of emergency and appearing to focus narrowly on economic benefits.
The Bishops cautioned that without a holistic and courageous approach that punishes the powerful as well as the poor, all policies and laws will fail.
They recommended the establishment of special courts to fast-track galamsey cases, alongside a permanent corruption-proof task force composed of security agencies, environmental experts, and local authorities.
The Bishops emphasized that no meaningful progress can be achieved if those in high office remain untouched while only the powerless face punishment.
