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The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has cautioned that while declaring a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas may be necessary, it is not enough to address the far-reaching devastation caused by illegal mining.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 15, 2025, the bishops warned that Ghana’s environment, public health, and national integrity remain under serious threat. They stressed that only a bold, coordinated, and long-term national strategy can deliver sustainable solutions.
“While urgent, a declaration is insufficient,” the statement read. “Ghana requires a holistic, integrated national strategy.”
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The GCBC proposed sweeping reforms, including a complete overhaul of mining laws with tougher enforcement mechanisms and stiffer penalties for offenders. They further recommended the establishment of specialised courts to fast-track prosecutions related to illegal mining.
They also urged the creation of a permanent, corruption-proof task force made up of security services, environmental experts, and local authorities to ensure consistent enforcement, prevent collusion, and avoid a return to business as usual after temporary crackdowns.
While pushing for strict enforcement, the bishops acknowledged that many people involved in galamsey are driven by poverty and desperation. They therefore urged the government to balance punishment with compassion.
They called for the introduction of properly regulated small-scale mining zones with environmental safeguards, alongside technical and financial support for miners. Additional proposals included land restoration, access to credit, training for displaced farmers, and the launch of a nationwide afforestation and reclamation programme to restore degraded lands while creating dignified jobs, particularly for the youth.
The GCBC directly appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to show decisive leadership by ensuring enforcement applies equally to all Ghanaians.
“His government must prosecute not only the poor but also the powerful; not only the weak but also the well-connected. Without courage, no policy will stand, no law will hold, and no declaration will succeed,” the statement declared.
The bishops also called on traditional leaders to act as true custodians of the land, on politicians to place the national interest above personal or partisan gain, and on security agencies to demonstrate integrity in enforcing the law. They further urged religious leaders to speak boldly and truthfully in defence of Ghana’s future.
“This struggle is not merely about law enforcement. It concerns the very soul of Ghana… Let us choose life, for ourselves, for our children, and for generations yet unborn,” the statement concluded.
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