Stop the lip service and enforce laws to end galamsey - Catholic Bishops to gov't

Accra, Ghana - The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has sounded the alarm on the devastating effects of galamsey, calling on the government to take concrete action against the illegal mining practice that's ravaging the country's water bodies, farmlands, and communities.

In a statement released on September 11,2024, the Bishops emphasized the need for collective action and commitment from all sectors of society to address the environmental destruction and social harm caused by galamsey.

The Bishops stressed that enforcing laws and holding perpetrators accountable are crucial steps in reversing the damaging effects of illegal mining. They urged the government to fully employ all available resources to combat these illegal activities and ensure that those responsible face the full extent of legal consequences.

While condemning illegal mining practices, the Bishops acknowledged the importance of mining to Ghana's economy. They advocated for sustainable and responsible mining practices, urging both large-scale and small-scale mining companies to comply with environmental regulations.

To address the root causes of galamsey, the Conference recommended creating alternative livelihood programs for individuals engaged in illegal mining, citing economic hardship as a major factor. Political leaders were also urged to publicly fight galamsey in their election campaigns, ensuring that their promises translate into real action.

“Immediate and Decisive Action by Government: We urge the government to stop the lips service in fighting galamsey by employing all available means to halt illegal mining activities.

"This includes enforcing existing laws, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that those involved in illegal mining face the full force of the law without fear or favour.”

“Education and Awareness Campaigns: We call on the media, civil society organizations, and religious bodies to amplify education and awareness campaigns on the devastating effects of illegal mining. Communities must be empowered to understand the long-term consequences of galamsey.

“Restoration of Affected Areas: We urge the government to prioritize the reclamation of destroyed lands and the restoration of polluted water bodies.

"This process must involve local communities, led by the Chiefs and be transparent to ensure the recovery of the environment. We recommend strongly, a temporal moratorium on all licensed community mining activities,'' part of the statement read.

Find the full statement in the link below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WzKHNWvdbrJrVwKJo8GcI06bAHc85zPE/view?usp=sharing

Source: Lead News Online