The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on President John Mahama and his government to demonstrate true courage in combating the galamsey menace by prosecuting not only vulnerable small-scale miners but also the politically connected individuals who enable and profit from illegal mining.
In a strongly worded statement, the Bishops highlighted that some politicians, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), chiefs, religious leaders, and security officials are complicit in the destruction of the environment.
They noted that these influential figures often shield galamsey operators or facilitate illicit concessions for personal gain, a betrayal the Bishops described as one that “cuts to the very marrow of the nation’s identity.”
The statement criticized President Mahama’s response so far as unsatisfactory, pointing out his dismissal of calls for a state of emergency and a perceived focus on economic gains at the expense of broader concerns.
Warning that policies and laws will fail without a holistic and brave approach that holds all offenders accountable, the Bishops recommended establishing special courts to fast-track galamsey cases and creating a permanent, corruption-proof task force comprising security agencies, environmental experts, and local authorities.
They emphasized that no real progress can be made if those in positions of power remain untouched while only the powerless are punished.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
