By Ghana News
Copyright ghanamma
The Christian Council of Ghana has weighed in on calls for the government to roll out stronger measures in dealing with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The Council noted that although the government has explained why it has not declared a state of emergency, critical actions can and must be taken in the interim. It also commended the designation of forest reserves and water bodies as security zones.
“We commend the designation of forests and water bodies as security zones and hope this step will strengthen the ongoing fight to eradicate this menace and safeguard our God-given environment.
On October 8 last year, we issued a strong call for an immediate and comprehensive ban on galamsey activities. Today, we find it necessary to reiterate that call. Galamsey continues to inflict severe and irreversible damage on our environment—polluting water bodies, destroying forests, and threatening livelihoods across the nation.”
The statement, signed by Rev Dr Cyril Fayose, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, stressed that the effects of galamsey are dire, and as Christian leaders, they cannot remain silent.
“The evidence is all around us: once-pristine rivers are now toxic with mud and mercury; fertile farmlands have become barren wastelands; and forests—God’s sacred gifts of life and balance—are being stripped away with reckless abandon.
The consequences are dire. Our citizens face grave health risks from contaminated water sources. Our food crops are imperiled by poisoned soils. Our national food security hangs in the balance. The very air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat are all under threat.
As faith leaders, we cannot remain silent while the land cries out and the poorest among us suffer. Illegal mining is not just an environmental issue—it is a profound moral, social, and national security crisis. It diminishes human dignity, entrenches poverty, and deprives the nation of resources meant for the common good.”
The Council emphasized the need for authorities to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
“We therefore call on the Government, in the strongest possible terms, to intensify its efforts and act swiftly and decisively to combat this national crisis. The law must be enforced without fear or favour. Those who sponsor or benefit from galamsey—regardless of political affiliation, social standing, or economic power—must be brought to justice. Our institutions must rise above partisanship and corruption to uphold the national interest and protect God’s creation.”
It further called on all Ghanaians to play their part in the fight.
“We also call on all citizens—traditional leaders, politicians, businesspeople, security agencies, and indeed every Ghanaian—to reject any form of complicity in this destruction of our environment. The fight against galamsey is not the sole responsibility of government. It demands the collective will, commitment, and action of the entire nation.
This fight must be won. Our children and future generations deserve a Ghana where rivers run clean, farms flourish, and communities thrive in dignity and peace.
May God grant us the courage, wisdom, and unity of purpose to rise together against this threat and secure the future of our beloved country.”
