Catholic Bishops demand probe into alleged state-backed galamsey extortion

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has expressed serious concern over revelations of alleged institutionalised corruption in illegal mining operations, following an undercover investigative documentary by JoyNews titled “A Tax for Galamsey.”

In a strongly worded statement dated February 17, 2026, the Bishops described the findings as evidence of a dangerous collapse of enforcement into complicity, warning that state institutions mandated to protect the environment may have participated in the very illegal activities they are supposed to prevent.

According to the documentary, a parallel taxation system was allegedly operating within the Amansie Central District, where illegal miners were compelled to pay registration fees.

Operators of Changfang machines reportedly paid about GH¢3,000 per machine, while excavator operators paid even higher levies. Official stickers and receipts were allegedly issued in connection with these payments.

The Bishops stated that if these allegations are substantiated, they would constitute a grave breach of public trust and represent a shift from enforcement into complicity.

They also raised concerns that officials linked to disaster management structures may have demanded additional payments to shield illegal mining operators from enforcement actions, suggesting systemic misconduct across multiple institutions.

The statement further highlighted the broader national implications of illegal mining, describing it as a moral crisis that has led to environmental degradation, polluted water bodies, destroyed farmlands, displaced communities, and loss of lives through unsafe mining practices over the past three decades.

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The GCBC warned that efforts to address illegal mining would fail if enforcement mechanisms are compromised from within, noting that public confidence in governance is severely diminished when regulators become enablers.

The Bishops proposed four key measures to restore integrity and accountability:

The establishment of an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations.

The interdiction of officials credibly implicated, pending investigations.

A full public audit of all Assembly revenues and mining-related accounts in the district.

Strengthening nationwide oversight mechanisms governing anti-galamsey operations, including protection for whistleblowers.

While stressing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, the Bishops cautioned that delay or inaction would further erode public trust in public institutions.

The statement was signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, who also assured investigative journalists and anti-galamsey activists of the Church’s prayers and support in the face of threats.

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