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A group of prominent Ghanaian clerics, known as the Apostolic Fathers, has called for an immediate and temporary ban on all small-scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
The clergy, led by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, expressed deep concern over the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
In a press release, the Apostolic Fathers highlighted the devastating effects of galamsey, including the pollution of rivers, deforestation, and the destruction of farmland.
These activities have left many communities without clean drinking water and fertile land for farming, causing widespread food insecurity and threatening the livelihoods of rural populations.
The clergy warned that if galamsey is not stopped, it will lead to an environmental disaster that could affect future generations.
They criticized the involvement of politicians, traditional leaders, and foreign nationals in illegal mining, urging them to cease their activities and consider the long-term harm they are inflicting on the nation.
The group called for a collective effort to address the crisis, urging the government to impose a temporary ban on all forms of small-scale mining while permanent solutions are sought.
They also praised journalists and activists who have risked their lives to expose the truth about illegal mining and encouraged the media to continue raising awareness about the issue.
Rooting their call for action in Biblical teachings, the Apostolic Fathers reminded Ghanaians of their duty as stewards of God’s creation.
They emphasized the moral responsibility to protect the environment, citing scriptures such as Genesis 2:15 and Psalm 24:1, which stress the importance of caring for the earth.
In addition to calling for the ban, the Apostolic Fathers urged national leaders and moral authorities to speak out against galamsey and rally the public to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
They appealed to institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and civil society organizations to intensify their efforts to hold illegal miners accountable and ensure the enforcement of laws such as the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The statement concluded with a call for unity among Ghanaians to end the destructive practices of galamsey and adopt sustainable mining practices that safeguard the environment and future generations.
