Ghana’s Catholic bishops have accused President John Mahama of downplaying the country’s worsening illegal mining crisis and are demanding that he declare a state of emergency in affected areas.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, September 15, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) described unregulated small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey, as “one of the gravest afflictions of our time.” The bishops warned that galamsey is destroying rivers, forests, and farmlands while poisoning food chains with mercury and cyanide.
The Church leaders revealed that they had met with the president in January and May to push for stronger interventions but were disappointed by what they called “unsatisfactory responses focused narrowly on economic gain.” Their frustration deepened after President Mahama, at a media encounter on September 10, rejected calls to declare a state of emergency over illegal mining.
“This is profoundly troubling. The hour is late. Delay is betrayal. Now, not tomorrow, not later, is the time to act,” the bishops stressed.
The GCBC warned that galamsey has evolved into a national security threat, enriching criminal cartels, fueling violence in mining communities, and corroding state institutions. They alleged that some politicians, chiefs, religious figures, and security officers are complicit in shielding illegal operators.
The bishops urged the government to use emergency powers to protect water bodies, dismantle mining syndicates, and impose curfews in volatile areas. They also called for specialised courts, stiffer penalties, and a permanent corruption-proof task force to oversee enforcement.
Beyond enforcement, the bishops proposed a regulated framework for small-scale mining, farmland restoration, and nationwide afforestation programmes to create sustainable livelihoods.
“We appeal to President Mahama to show the courage of leadership. His government must prosecute not only the poor but also the powerful; not only the weak but also the well-connected,” the statement said.