JAMASI, Nov. 15 – The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a targeted state of emergency in the communities worst hit by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, saying the government’s interventions so far have not ended the menace.
The demand is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the bishops’ annual Plenary Assembly, held from November 3 to 14, 2026, at the Divine Providence Pastoral Centre, Jamasi, in the Konongo-Mampong Diocese of the Ashanti Region.
“It is NOW time”
“Considering that the interventions put in place by the government of President Mahama are so far not producing the desired, promised and expected end of the menace of galamsey, we believe that it is NOW time to declare a targeted state of emergency in the locations most affected by illegal and irresponsible mining,” the communiqué said.
According to the bishops, such an emergency should allow for “a national development and implementation of regulations which will ensure responsible and environmentally friendly mining.”
They said they remained deeply concerned about the pollution of water bodies, destruction of forest reserves, degradation of agricultural lands and threats to public health caused by galamsey, and called on the President, “as the father of the Republic, to demonstrate courage and determination in saving the environment.”
Confront “networks of complicity”
The Conference urged regulatory institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, religious leaders and all citizens to “join forces and resources to defeat this common enemy.”
“The fight against galamsey must confront networks of complicity, ensure accountability, provide sustainable livelihood alternatives and promote community participation in environmental protection,” the bishops said.
Beyond galamsey, the bishops also raised concern about drug trafficking and substance abuse, urging state institutions to intensify intelligence-led operations, strengthen border controls and expand public education and rehabilitation services, ChannelOne News reported.
President Mahama has previously expressed reluctance to invoke emergency powers over galamsey, arguing that state agencies already have the legal authority to arrest offenders and seize equipment, Insight Ghana noted.
Source: Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference communiqué (via Catholic Trends); 3News; ChannelOne News; Insight Ghana.
Featured image: Oye News GH graphic.