The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has formally petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging immediate and decisive action to put an end to illegal mining activities across Ghana. This petition follows a large protest walk held on Friday, October 11, that was attended by several civil society groups, environmental activists, and religious organizations. The protest aimed to raise awareness about the destructive consequences of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, and to push for immediate government intervention.
The Archdiocese, in its petition, outlined three key demands that it believes are essential in the fight against galamsey and its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment. The first of these demands is a declaration of a state of emergency in areas that have been heavily affected by illegal mining activities. The Archdiocese argues that the scale and severity of the environmental degradation caused by galamsey warrant such a drastic measure. By declaring a state of emergency, the government would signal the seriousness of the issue and take firm steps to address it.
The second demand calls for an immediate moratorium on the issuance of new mining licenses. This measure, the Archdiocese believes, would help to stem the tide of illegal mining by halting the expansion of mining activities, especially in regions that are already suffering from the environmental impact of these operations. Illegal mining has led to widespread deforestation, the pollution of rivers and water bodies, and the destruction of farmland, all of which pose serious threats to the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians. The Archdiocese stressed that without a pause in the issuance of new licenses, the problem would continue to escalate.
The final key demand outlined in the petition is the repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which governs the issuance of mining licenses, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. The Archdiocese argued that this legislative instrument has allowed for mining to take place in forest reserves and other areas that should be protected for future generations. By repealing LI 2462, the government would be able to close a loophole that has been exploited by illegal miners to operate in ecologically vulnerable regions.
In addition to these three demands, the Archdiocese also called for stricter enforcement of existing environmental and mining laws. While laws are already in place to regulate mining activities and protect the environment, the Archdiocese noted that enforcement has been weak, allowing illegal mining to continue unchecked in many areas. The petition urged the government to ensure that individuals and institutions involved in illegal mining activities are held accountable for their actions. It emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to act without fear or favour, ensuring that perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra’s petition underscores the urgency of the illegal mining crisis in Ghana. Galamsey has caused significant damage to the country’s natural resources, including its forests, rivers, and farmlands. The environmental destruction has led to a range of social, economic, and health problems for communities in mining areas, including food insecurity, loss of livelihoods, and increased health risks from polluted water sources.
In its petition, the Archdiocese emphasized the moral responsibility of the government to protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. It pointed out that the government must take a leadership role in addressing the illegal mining crisis and ensure that those responsible for environmental degradation are held to account. The Archdiocese also highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to the country’s mining sector, including stricter regulations on the issuance of licenses and greater transparency in the monitoring of mining activities.
The Archdiocese’s petition is part of a broader campaign by civil society organizations, religious groups, and environmental activists to draw attention to the long-term consequences of illegal mining and to press the government to take immediate action. The protest walk on October 11 brought together a diverse group of stakeholders who share a common concern about the future of Ghana’s environment and the impact of galamsey on local communities.
In a statement accompanying the petition, the Archdiocese urged the government to use all available means to address the illegal mining crisis. It stressed that the problem should be recognized not only as an environmental issue but also as a social, economic, and national security concern. The statement called for decisive actions, including the declaration of a state of emergency, a moratorium on mining licenses, and the repeal of LI 2462, to effectively tackle galamsey.
The petition also called on Ghanaians to support the fight against illegal mining by holding their leaders accountable and demanding that they take meaningful steps to protect the country’s environment. The Archdiocese urged citizens to remain vigilant and to continue raising their voices against the destructive practices of illegal miners, who have not only ravaged the land but also undermined the rule of law in Ghana.
As the government considers its response to the petition, the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra and its partners in the fight against galamsey will be watching closely to see whether the administration will take the bold steps necessary to halt the illegal mining activities that have plagued the nation for years. The future of Ghana’s environment, and the well-being of millions of its citizens, depends on swift and decisive action.
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