The Christian Council of Ghana has joined the growing number of voices calling for a decisive and total ban on illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.” This appeal comes at a critical juncture as the negative impact of galamsey on the environment, local communities, and the nation’s future has reached an alarming level. The situation has prompted stakeholders across various sectors to demand immediate and comprehensive actions against this damaging practice.
Reverend Cyril Fayose, the General Secretary of the Christian Council, emphasized the existential threat posed by galamsey to Ghana’s natural resources, particularly its water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems. He described the current crisis as urgent, calling for swift and concrete measures to address the environmental degradation and the potential long-term damage to the nation’s resources.
“Galamsey is not just an environmental issue; it is a threat to our very existence as a nation,” Reverend Fayose stated. “Our rivers, farmlands, and entire ecosystems are under siege, and this is something that we must address without delay.”
Reverend Fayose pointed out that the usual condemnations and reactive measures have proven insufficient in tackling the scale of the problem. He called for a more comprehensive and strategic approach, urging the government and all stakeholders to go beyond rhetoric and take decisive action.
“We need more than just words; we need a well-thought-out plan and the courage to implement it,” Reverend Fayose insisted. “This is not the time for half-measures or reactive policies. The future of our nation depends on what we do now.”
According to Reverend Fayose, a total ban on illegal mining, or at the very least a moratorium, would provide a crucial period for reflection and strategizing. This pause would allow the country to consider how best to tackle the issue of illegal mining without jeopardizing the livelihoods of those involved in small-scale mining.
He proposed two potential pathways for addressing the galamsey problem. The first involves a complete ban on small-scale mining, mirroring the strict regulations already in place for mining in water bodies. “If we can ban mining in water bodies because of its devastating effects, we can also consider a total ban on small-scale mining,” he suggested.
However, Reverend Fayose also acknowledged that a total ban might not be feasible for various reasons, including the economic impact on communities that rely on small-scale mining for their livelihoods. As an alternative, he proposed that small-scale mining operations should be community-owned, ensuring that the benefits directly support local development rather than individual profit.
“Community ownership of small-scale mining operations could be a way to ensure that the communities most affected by the environmental degradation are also those who benefit most from any mining activity that does occur,” he said. “This could provide a balanced approach where the environment is protected, and local communities are supported.”
The Christian Council’s call for a ban aligns with the growing public sentiment against galamsey, which has been blamed for significant environmental degradation, including the destruction of forests and pollution of rivers. The practice has also had severe social consequences, including the displacement of communities and the loss of livelihoods for many farmers whose lands have been devastated by the illegal mining activities.
In recent years, the Ghanaian government has implemented several measures to combat illegal mining, including military deployments, the establishment of anti-galamsey task forces, and public awareness campaigns. However, these efforts have had limited success in curbing the practice, leading to widespread frustration and calls for more robust action.
Reverend Fayose’s suggestion for a total ban or a moratorium reflects a growing consensus among civil society groups, environmentalists, and community leaders that stronger measures are needed to end the galamsey menace. Many believe that a temporary halt in all small-scale mining activities could provide the necessary breathing space to develop a sustainable and comprehensive strategy for the sector.
The proposed ban or moratorium is seen as a critical step in protecting Ghana’s environment and natural resources, which are vital for the country’s long-term development. Without decisive action, the unchecked activities of illegal miners threaten to undermine the very foundation of Ghana’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.
Reverend Fayose concluded by urging all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and local communities, to come together and work towards a sustainable solution to the galamsey problem. He stressed that the Christian Council would continue to lend its voice to the call for urgent and decisive action to protect Ghana’s environment and secure a better future for the next generation.
As the debate over how best to tackle illegal mining continues, the Christian Council’s appeal adds further weight to the growing demand for a comprehensive and effective response to one of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing Ghana today.
