The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to declare a targeted state of emergency in areas severely affected by illegal mining, citing the persistent destruction of water bodies, forest reserves, and agricultural lands. The Bishops believe that government interventions have failed to produce the expected results, and exceptional measures are needed to confront the menace. This call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of their annual plenary assembly in Jamasi in the Ashanti Region on November 14, 2026.
The proposed emergency aims to provide an opportunity for the national development and implementation of regulations that would ensure responsible and environmentally friendly mining. The Bishops' position represents a strong intervention by one of Ghana's most influential religious institutions in the national debate over the government's response to illegal mining. They emphasized that the protection of the country's natural resources is inseparable from human dignity, social justice, and the welfare of future generations.
The Bishops warned that the consequences of galamsey extend beyond environmental degradation, threatening public health, family stability, youth development, and national security. They called for accountability, sustainable livelihood alternatives, and greater community participation in environmental protection. The Conference urged regulatory institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and citizens to combine their efforts and resources to defeat what it described as a common enemy.
The fight against galamsey must go beyond occasional enforcement operations to confront the networks that sustain illegal mining. The Bishops stated that the fight against galamsey must confront networks of complicity, ensure accountability, provide sustainable livelihood alternatives, and promote community participation in environmental protection. This call comes as illegal mining continues to generate national concern over the pollution of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and encroachment on protected forest areas.
Beyond galamsey, the Bishops also expressed concern about the alarming levels of drug trafficking and substance abuse, warning that the situation threatens public health, family stability, youth development, and national security. They urged relevant institutions to intensify intelligence-led enforcement, strengthen border controls, and provide public education and rehabilitation services. The Bishops also called on families, schools, and religious institutions to strengthen preventive education and support for persons affected by substance dependency.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has demonstrated greater courage and determination in protecting the country's environment, and their position is a testament to their commitment to promoting social justice and human dignity. The Bishops' call for a state of emergency in galamsey hotspots is a significant development in the national debate over the government's response to illegal mining. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to this appeal.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference has a long history of advocating for social justice and human rights in Ghana. Their involvement in the fight against galamsey is a continuation of their efforts to promote sustainable development and protect the country's natural resources. The outcome of this appeal will have significant implications for the future of Ghana's environment and the well-being of its citizens.
Key points
- Catholic Bishops' Conference demands state of emergency in areas severely affected by illegal mining.
- Proposed emergency aims to provide an opportunity for the national development and implementation of regulations that would ensure responsible and environmentally friendly mining.
- The fight against galamsey must go beyond occasional enforcement operations to confront the networks that sustain illegal mining.
