The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, in collaboration with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Catholic Lay Faithful, and Professionals, organized a significant Environmental Prayer Protest Walk Against illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. Held on Friday, October 10, the walk was aimed at raising public awareness about the alarming environmental damage caused by galamsey and advocating for decisive government action to combat the menace. This timely initiative emphasized the urgent need to protect Ghana’s natural resources, particularly its water bodies and forest reserves, which have been severely impacted by illegal mining.
The protest walk, which began at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, saw a large turnout of Catholic clergy, religious leaders, lay faithful, and concerned citizens, all united in their call for environmental justice. Clad in white and holding placards bearing messages like “Save Our Water Bodies” and “Stop Galamsey Now,” participants marched through key locations in Accra, including the Ridge Roundabout, Ako Adjei Interchange, and the National Police Headquarters, before concluding at Christ the King Parish. Throughout the walk, hymns and prayers were offered, underscoring the faith-based community’s commitment to using both spiritual and civic means to bring about change.
One of the main highlights of the event was the presentation of a formal petition to the government, calling for the declaration of a state of emergency on illegal mining in areas surrounding critical water bodies and forest reserves. The petition, received by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman, urged the government to take immediate and resolute action to stop galamsey activities that continue to pose a serious threat to the environment and the health of local communities. The Catholic Archdiocese emphasized that beyond just enforcement of the law, there is a need for a long-term strategy that includes rehabilitation of degraded lands, restoration of polluted water bodies, and the sustainable development of mining communities.
The Environmental Prayer Protest Walk Against Galamsey was not just a call to action but also a powerful expression of the Church’s role as a moral voice in society. With the destructive impacts of galamsey now affecting millions of Ghanaians through polluted water sources, deforestation, and loss of arable land, the Catholic Church’s involvement underscores the urgency of the crisis. This initiative serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is not just the responsibility of the government but a collective duty for all Ghanaians. As the nation grapples with the complexities of illegal mining, the Church’s advocacy for the environment represents a strong stance against any practices that threaten the well-being of the people and the sustainability of the nation’s natural resources.
