The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has urged President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in response to the devastating impact of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
In a statement issued Monday, the bishops warned that rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, Offin, and Ayensu are now dangerously polluted with mercury and other toxic chemicals. They described the destruction of forests and farmlands as a betrayal of God’s mandate for stewardship and a looming disaster for farmers, families, and children.
The bishops accused politicians, chiefs, security officials, and other leaders of shielding illegal miners. They also expressed disappointment at President Mahama’s refusal to declare a state of emergency during his September 10 media encounter.
They are calling for decisive measures, including curfews, land restoration, dismantling of criminal cartels, and rooting out corruption within mining administration to halt the damage.
