Story: Collins Agyemang  

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on President John Dramani Mahama to demonstrate decisive leadership in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, by prosecuting high-profile individuals involved in the practice.

Speaking during the CSOs meeting with President Mahama, on Friday, October 3, 2025, the Bishops said the government must go beyond words and ensure visible action against the powerful actors driving the menace.

“We urge you, Your Excellency, to provide clearer benchmarks that will trigger a state of emergency. Visible prosecution of kingpins, including those named in official reports. 

“Protection for communities and traditional authorities who resist galamsey. Accountability for those complicit,” the Bishops said

The Bishops warned that Ghana’s natural resources and the safety of its citizens were at stake, stressing that no one should be seen as above the law.

“Our people must see that no one is above the law. We are with you in this fight, and we urge you to act with courage and moral clarity. 

“History will not measure your leadership by words alone, but by the protection you secured for generations yet unborn. Our house is on fire, let’s put it out,” the Bishops stated.

In another development,  the Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary has called on the government to move beyond rhetoric and take strong, decisive steps against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

They also  urged President Mahama to consider proposals already put forward by the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, religious bodies, civil society organisations, and academia, including calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in heavily affected areas, rather than simply organising engagements.

Speaking to the media   on the sidelines of the 12th Biennial Supreme Subordinate Convention in Kumasi, the Supreme Subordinate Commandery President of the Knights of St. John International, Major General William Edmund Adjei, stressed that the time for dialogue had passed.

“Let me be very honest with you, where we have gotten to in the fight against galamsey, it is not talk matter. It is action. And I don’t believe anybody in government does not know what must be done.

“Do you need a meeting like that to know what must be done? I don’t think so. But all said and done, I respect government for the initiative. I only pray it will not be another talk show. What is important now is action, not talk”, he said.

He further noted that while advocacy was  essential, it must be sustained with pressure to ensure lasting results in the fight against illegal mining.

“One thing you must realise is that you don’t stop until the evil stops. Issuing one statement is only the first step. You must continue to put pressure until the evil ends. Just drive across the country and look at the water bodies.

“We are the people affected, and our children will come to suffer. So the advocacy should not stop. We must continue the pressure until it ends”, he said.

Major General Adjei lamented the devastation caused by illegal mining to rivers and water bodies across the country, warning that future generations will bear the consequences if immediate action is not taken.