The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has warned President John Mahama that illegal mining, aka galamsey, is destroying the nation’s environment, corroding its governance, and threatening the very soul of Ghana.

“Illegal and unregulated mining, commonly known as galamsey, has become one of the gravest afflictions of our time. It ravages our rivers and forests, poisons our soil, endangers public health, corrupts governance, erodes our moral fibre, and extinguishes livelihoods.

"This is not a routine challenge to be managed with half-measures; it is a national emergency requiring decisive, extraordinary response,” the Bishops said.

The statement issued on Monday, September 15, was signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

They warned that Ghana’s once-pristine rivers, such as the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, Offin, and Ayensu, are now polluted beyond recognition, with turbidity levels so extreme they defy purification.

“Once-verdant forests lie stripped to barren scars, while fertile farmlands are rendered sterile, punctured by deadly pits,” the statement added.

The Bishops said the impact was dire for farmers, households, and children lured into deadly mining pits.

“The poisons of mining seep silently into our food chain, breeding cancers, skin diseases, kidney failure, and neurological disorders,” they cautioned.

Beyond the environmental disaster, they described galamsey as “a cancer in our national soul” that has corrupted politics, governance, and conscience.

“Disturbingly, some politicians, Members of Parliament, Municipal and District Chief Executives, chiefs, religious figures, and even members of our security services have been implicated,” the statement said.

They expressed disappointment in President Mahama’s handling of the crisis.

“In both January and May 2025, delegations of our Conference raised these concerns directly with him, only to be met with unsatisfactory responses focused narrowly on economic gain.

At his ‘Meet the Press’ session of 10 September 2025, he dismissed calls for a state of emergency. This is profoundly troubling. The hour is late. Delay is betrayal. Now, not tomorrow, not later, is the time to act.”

The Bishops demanded that the President immediately declare a state of emergency in affected mining zones to halt the destruction and dismantle criminal syndicates.

They also called for a permanent, corruption-proof task force, specialised mining courts, tougher penalties, and sustainable livelihood alternatives for those driven into illegal mining.

“We appeal to President Mahama to show the courage of leadership. His government must prosecute not only the poor but also the powerful; not only the weak but also the well-connected. Without courage, no policy will stand, no law will hold, no declaration will succeed,” they charged.

In a nationwide appeal, the Bishops urged Ghanaians to resist the lure of quick wealth, chiefs to uphold their responsibility as custodians of the land, politicians to put Ghana above partisan interests, religious leaders to speak boldly, and security agencies to act with integrity.

“This struggle is not merely about law enforcement. It concerns the very soul of Ghana. It is about whether we choose life or death, blessing or curse. With God’s grace, let us choose life, for ourselves, for our children, and for generations yet unborn,” the Bishops declared.