Galamsey Protest: A bold act of faith by the Catholic Church in Ghana

The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra on 11th October 2024, under the leadership of Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie -CSSP, in collaboration with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious-Ghana recently organized a peaceful environmental prayer walk, setting a strong example of faith in action.

This event not only highlighted the commitment of the Church to safeguarding the environment but also served as a powerful petition to the President of Ghana, calling for an immediate end to the destructive practice of illegal mining, locally known as "galamsey."

The Galamsey Menace

Galamsey has been a persistent environmental and socio-economic issue in Ghana, particularly in areas rich in natural resources like the forests and water bodies of the country. This illegal mining activity has devastated ecosystems, polluted water sources, and led to severe land degradation. Despite the government's failed efforts to curb the practice, galamsey continues to thrive, driven by poverty, weak enforcement, and powerful financial interests.

In light of this ongoing environmental destruction, the Catholic Church has taken a stand, using its influence to advocate for responsible stewardship of the earth.

Through this prayer walk, they are not only raising awareness but also demanding stronger government action to protect the environment.

The Peaceful Prayer Walk

The prayer walk, organized under the leadership of the Archdiocese of Accra, saw the participation of priests, nuns, lay faithful, environmental activists, community leaders and other well-meaning Ghanaians.

The procession moved through key areas of the capital city carrying banners and placards with messages that called for the preservation of the environment, responsible governance, and the immediate cessation of illegal mining activities.

Participants in the walk prayed the Rosary among other prayers not only for the healing of the land but also for wisdom and courage for the nation’s leaders to take decisive action against galamsey from parochial political interests.

The Church, through this event, demonstrated its deep connection between faith and the care of creation, invoking the principles of justice, peace, and respect for human dignity.

Petition to the President

At the climax of the prayer walk, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Accra, formally petitioned the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging him to intensify efforts to end galamsey and hold accountable those who are contributing to environmental degradation. The petition emphasized the need for government, corporate bodies, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and citizens to come together to protect the country’s natural resources for future generations.

The Church’s call to the President was clear: The fight against galamsey cannot be fought by the government alone. It requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and local communities. The petition was also a reminder of the President’s moral duty to uphold the constitution and to fulfil his promise to end galamsey, which guarantees the protection of the environment as a fundamental right of all citizens.

A Call to All Stakeholders

In addition to petitioning the President, the Archdiocese called on all stakeholders, including the mining industry, environmental organizations, and the general public, to support the fight against galamsey. The Church recognized the complexity of the issue, acknowledging that while illegal mining provides income for many impoverished Ghanaians, its long-term effects are disastrous.

The peaceful walk also sought to inspire citizens to take personal responsibility in protecting the environment. Each person, the Church emphasized, has a role to play in ensuring the sustainability of natural resources, whether through education, advocacy, or sustainable practices.

Setting the Pace for Future Action

The peaceful prayer walk is a significant milestone in the fight against galamsey, not only in Ghana but as a model for the broader West African region. By combining faith with environmental activism, the Church has demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing complex societal issues.

This event has set the pace for future collaborations between religious organizations, government bodies, and civil society in the quest for environmental justice. It is a reminder that the preservation of the environment is not only a political or economic issue but also a spiritual and moral imperative.

Conclusion

The peaceful environmental prayer walk by the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra is a shining example of how faith can be a force for positive change in society. By organizing this event, the Church has not only exercised its faith but has also acted as a voice for the voiceless—the forests, rivers, and lands that suffer under the weight of galamsey.

Their call to the President and all stakeholders is clear: it is time to act decisively to end galamsey and protect Ghana’s environment for future generations. This prayer walk is not just a demonstration; it is a call to action that resonates across the nation.