Illegal Mining: NCLC lists reasons for urgent declaration of a state of emergency

The Ghana National Catholic Laity Council (NCLC) has called for a state of emergency to be declared in mining-affected areas across the country.

In a statement dated Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and signed by the Chairman of the Council, Sir John Kofi Tandoh, the NCLC said their demand supports a recent statement by the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC), highlighting the destructive effects of illegal mining also known as ‘galamsey’.

Galamsey: I won’t trade my life for your cedi recovery - Cadman Mills blasts Mahama

The Council also called for the prosecution of all individuals, including high-profile figures, involved in these activities which pose existential threat to the country.

“… Together with the GCBC, we call on the Government of Ghana to declare a state of emergency in the most affected mining zones. Prosecute offenders without fear or favour, including those in high office,” portions of the statement read.

The Council urged the government to take drastic measures to address the menace, warning that it must be tackled 'before it consumes the very soul of our nation.’

The statement expressed concern over the grave effects ‘galamsey’ is having on the health of residents living in mining-prone areas, due to the poisonous chemicals used in the extraction of the gold.

Describing ‘galamsey’ as a national disaster, the Council cautioned that the menace could jeopardise the country’s security and endanger the lives of its citizens.

“Unlike those who may only hear about this crisis in the news, we, the lay faithful, live in the very communities where the impact is felt most painfully. We see our rivers - the Pra, Birim, Ankobra, Offin, Ayensu, and many more once life-giving and clear water bodies, now poisoned with mercury and cyanide, running brown and lifeless.

“We watch fertile farmlands, which for generations fed families and sustained livelihoods, destroyed and abandoned to gaping pits. We witness our children, who should be in school learning for a brighter future, dropping out to risk their lives in unstable mining shafts for quick but fleeting gains,” the statement said.

“We know too well the health consequences: strange skin diseases, kidney failures, cancers, and other illnesses that creep into our communities through polluted water and food. ‘Galamsey’ has truly become a national disaster, not only threatening our environment but also endangering human life, family sustenance, and national security,” it added.

The Council also appealed to Catholics involved in illegal mining activities to desist from the act, describing it as ‘sinful’.

“If you are engaged in ‘galamsey’, whether directly or indirectly, we urge you in the name of Christ to immediately desist from this sinful act. If you finance illegal mining, provide political or social cover, or remain silent while others engage in it, you share in the guilt. We urge you to repent and turn away.

Mahama hot as bishops pile more pressure

“… We remind all lay Catholics that participation in ‘galamsey’ gravely contradicts the values of our faith. It is a sin that cries out to heaven for justice and places one's soul in danger. We call upon parish priests, lay associations, Small Christian Communities, and all parish councils to intensify teaching and dialogue on this issue, and to offer support and guidance for those seeking alternatives,” it said.

MAG/VPO

Will Ghana pass the Anti-Witchcraft Bill? Find out in the latest episode of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV in this conversation with Amnesty International: