Civil war could erupt if galamsey is banned without regulation – Bishop J.Y. Adu

Bishop J.Y. Adu, founder of the New Jerusalem Chapel (NJC), has issued a stark warning about the potential for civil unrest if galamsey is abruptly banned in Ghana.

In an exclusive interview with Fiifi Pratt monitored by MyNewsGh.com, the clergyman shared his concerns, noting that over four million Ghanaians are directly or indirectly involved in the galamsey trade.

In a discussion, Bishop Adu drew comparisons between Ghana’s current galamsey crisis and the conflicts surrounding oil discoveries in certain regions of Nigeria.

He highlighted how local communities, determined to control valuable natural resources, clashed with authorities in a series of conflicts that have long plagued the country.

The veteran bishop suggested that a similar situation could arise in Ghana if galamsey is banned without providing alternative livelihoods for those affected.

“The protests and unrest surrounding galamsey activities are only intensifying due to the widespread degradation of forests and the pollution of water bodies.

People are already restless, and if this sector is banned without careful planning, we could be facing something much worse,” Bishop Adu emphasized.

He further explained that rather than outlawing galamsey, which has been the focus of numerous protests and government crackdowns, the sector should be effectively regulated to ensure it benefits Ghana as a whole.

The Bishop argued that, with the right management, galamsey could become a sustainable industry that boosts the economy while minimizing the environmental damage currently seen across the country.

Bishop Adu recommended that small-scale miners be properly licensed and given designated areas for their operations. He pointed to Ivory Coast as a shining example, where mining activities are well-organized and conducted without causing severe environmental harm.

“In Ivory Coast, mining is well-regulated, and they don’t have the same level of water contamination we’re seeing here in Ghana. It’s about getting the system right,” he said.

His call for a structured, regulated approach to galamsey activities echoes the frustrations of many Ghanaians who have witnessed their local ecosystems deteriorate. Rivers have turned brown, farms have been destroyed, and rural communities have suffered from the ecological damage that accompanies unregulated mining.