The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately declare a state of emergency in areas heavily affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 15, 2025, and signed by Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, Archbishop of Sunyani and President of the Conference, the Bishops warned that the situation has reached catastrophic levels and poses a grave threat to the survival of millions of Ghanaians.
According to the GCBC, the government has failed to effectively clamp down on illegal mining activities despite repeated promises, and only bold and decisive action can avert further environmental and social disaster.
“We are beyond the last resort, and the President should immediately declare a state of emergency in parts of the country to save Ghanaians as prescribed by the Constitution,” the Bishops stated.
Citing Article 31.9 (a) and (b) of the 1992 Constitution, the Bishops argued that the scale of destruction caused by galamsey qualifies as a constitutional trigger for emergency powers since it deprives communities of potable water and undermines public safety, national security, and food supply.
The statement demanded clear milestones and timelines from the Presidency to guide continued action and demonstrate government’s commitment. It further urged the dismissal and investigation of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in whose jurisdictions galamsey persists.
“The President, in operationalising the KPIs he has given to all MCEs and DCEs in these galamsey endemic areas, should dismiss any MCE or DCE who has galamsey still happening in their districts or municipalities for incompetence. They should be investigated for complicity in the environmental crimes. The same should apply to the Police and the National Investigative Bureau Commanders in these districts and municipalities,” the statement read.
Credit: MyNewsGh.com
