Watch highlights from the massive ‘prayer walk’ against galamsey by the Catholic Church in Accra

The Accra Archdiocese organised a protest dubbed ‘Environmental Prayer Walk’ against illegal mining, known as galamsey, throughout the streets of Accra on Friday, October 11, 2024.

The prayer walk commenced at the Holy Spirit Cathedral and concluded with a petition presented to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, followed by a Mass at Christ the King Parish, located adjacent to the Jubilee House.

Participants, including many Catholic faithful, wielded placards expressing their discontent over the environmental destruction caused by galamsey and the government's perceived failure to address the issue while engaging in prayer.

Major streets in Accra came to a standstill as large crowds moved through the city, singing praises and Marian songs.

The protesters could be heard intermittently praying the ‘Hail Mary,’ seeking the intercession of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, in the fight against galamsey.

During the Mass that concluded the protest, the Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, urged the government to take immediate action against galamsey rather than waiting until after the 2024 elections, as Ghanaians are already suffering and dying from its effects.

He also called on candidates in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections to commit seriously to combating galamsey.

Additionally, Rev. Kwofie urged leaders of other faith-based organisations and traditional rulers to ensure their members refrain from engaging in the illegal mining activities.

Watch videos from the protest below:

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