The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, in collaboration with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious in Ghana, held an Environmental Prayer Walk Against Galamsey, a peaceful protest aimed at urging the government to take decisive action against illegal mining.
The walk, which started at 10 am from the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka and ended at Christ the King Parish Cantonments, was a cry to God for heavenly wisdom to tackle the galamsey menace.
In a petition presented to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on October 11, 2024, at the Christ the King Parish in Accra, the group expressed their alarm and frustration over the destruction caused by galamsey.
The petition highlights the severe pollution of major rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, Densu, Tano, Offin, and Birim, which has rendered them undrinkable and unfit for agricultural and domestic use.
Rev. Fr. Michael K. A. Quaicoe, Director for Governance, Justice, and Peace for Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference. says the Catholic community in Ghana is taking a strong stance against galamsey, and their plea is a call to action for the government and citizens to work together to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future.
He emphasized that while acknowledging President Akufo-Addo’s efforts to address galamsey, more needs to be done. They prayed for God’s blessing and wisdom for the President and his advisors to take necessary steps to end the galamsey crisis.
According to Rev. Father Quaicoe, the Church also recognized its constitutional, civil, and religious duty to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
Mr. Bernard Mornah, flagbearer of the People’s National Congress (PNC), praised the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra for backing the fight against illegal mining in Ghana. However, it’s worth noting that the Catholic Church actually constitutes about 60% of Ghana’s population.
Despite the numerical discrepancy, Mornah’s sentiment remains clear: the government should heed the concerns of the Catholic Church and other religious bodies. He emphasized that this initiative is a step in the right direction and urged all religious organizations and clergy to join the fight against galamsey.
Mornah’s call to action highlights the growing concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment and communities. The Catholic Church’s involvement is seen as a significant boost to the anti-galamsey movement, and Mornah hopes other religious groups will follow suit.
Sourc: oyerepafmonline.com/Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region
