The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has asked President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency over illegal mining. They warned that galamsey is destroying rivers, forests, and farmlands across the country.
The bishops said rivers like the Pra, Birim, and Ayensu are heavily polluted with mercury and dangerous chemicals. They described the destruction as a betrayal of the duty to care for creation. Communities now face health problems such as cancers, kidney diseases, and skin infections from contaminated water and food.
The bishops accused some politicians, chiefs, and security officials of protecting galamsey operators. They said the government’s response has been too slow and must be stronger. The bishops urged the president to act immediately with new laws, special courts, and better job options for people driven to mining by poverty.
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