The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, in collaboration with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana, and Catholic Lay Faithful and Professionals, is organizing an Environmental Prayer Protest Walk against illegal mining (galamsey) on Friday, October 11, 2024.
In a press release issued on October 4, the church highlighted the protest’s aim to raise awareness about the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and to urge the government to take swift and decisive action to end the practice. The protest also advocates for declaring a state of emergency on mining activities near water bodies, river buffers, and forest reserves.
The walk will begin at 10:00 am at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka and proceed through major landmarks in Accra, including Castle Road, Ridge Roundabout, Parliament House, and Oxford Street. It will conclude at Christ the King Parish in Cantonments. During the event, a petition will be presented to President Akufo-Addo at Jubilee House, calling for urgent measures to halt environmental degradation caused by galamsey and promote sustainable development.
The Catholic Church is urging all Ghanaians, including Catholics, other Christians, Muslims, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and environmental activists, to join this peaceful protest. The event will combine prayer with demands for immediate action to protect Ghana’s environment and restore its ecosystems.