The Ghana Catholic Bishop Conference (GCBC) has refuted claims that it is organising an environmental prayer protest walk against galamsey, a form of illegal mining, in Ghana.

According to Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Anokye, Archbishop of Kumasi, the prayer walk is actually being organized by the Accra Archdiocese. This clarification comes amidst attempts by some political elements to politicize the issue.

The GCBC has been vocal about its opposition to galamsey, citing its devastating impact on the environment and human lives.

The conference has urged the government to take decisive action to halt illegal mining activities, enforce existing laws, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The bishops also emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the issue, calling on all stakeholders, including the government, legislature, judiciary, media, civil society, chiefs, and religious leaders, to unite in the fight against galamsey.

Archbishop Anokye stressed that the fight against galamsey should not be politicised, but rather approached as a collective responsibility.

He suggested that all stakeholders engage in dialogue to find effective solutions to the menace. The GCBC has also advocated for sustainable mining practices, recognising the importance of mining to Ghana's economy, while emphasizing the need to protect the environment.

“The Accra Archdiocese is the one organizing this environmental prayer walk against galamsey is being hijacked by some political elements making it Catholic Bishop Conference action and we don’t support either the organised labour’s strike.”

“The galamsey issue is not a political issue but it is environmental, social, community, industrial and it is a work situation and has ramifications. About four million people are involved in galamsey whether directly or indirectly,” he stated