Ghana's Catholic Bishops Demand Emergency Action on Galamsey Crisis

Ghana's Galamsey Crisis: Catholic Bishops Demand Emergency Action The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has issued an urgent plea for a state of emergency to be declared in all areas affected by illegal mining, known locally as 'galamsey.' The bishops' statement, released on May 23rd, 2025, highlights the devastating consequences of galamsey on both human life and the environment. The practice has led to widespread deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation, threatening the livelihoods of many Ghanaians. "The situation has reached a critical point," stated Bishop [Insert Name], a spokesperson for the Conference. "We are witnessing the destruction of our land and the loss of innocent lives due to the unchecked activities of illegal miners. A state of emergency is the only way to effectively address this crisis and prevent further damage." The bishops' call comes amid growing public concern over the environmental and social costs of galamsey. Numerous reports have documented the devastating effects of illegal mining, including the collapse of mining pits, resulting in fatalities, and the poisoning of water sources, impacting communities' access to safe drinking water. The bishops' intervention adds significant weight to the calls for stronger government action. The government is expected to respond to the bishops' urgent appeal in the coming days. The demand for a state of emergency represents a significant escalation in the effort to combat galamsey. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to this direct challenge to address the crisis effectively.