The Catholic Bishops of Ghana have expressed concern following the release of an undercover documentary by JoyNews' titled "A Tax for Galamsey", which uncovered disturbing evidence of a parallel taxation system operating within the Amansie Central District.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 18, the Bishops praised the investigative team for their professional work and their commitment to truth, particularly at a time when such efforts can carry significant personal and professional risk.

According to the Statement, the documentary, which aired on February 9, revealed troubling findings suggesting that state institutions, which are meant to protect the environment and enforce the law, may have been complicit in illegal mining activities.

Specifically, the report highlighted allegations that the District Assembly and a task force, purportedly acting under the direction of the District Chief Executive, were involved in charging illegal miners for registration fees.

According to the documentary, operators of illegal mining machines, such as Changfang machines, were allegedly charged around GH¢3,000 per machine, with operators of excavators being levied even higher fees.

The Bishops’ statement emphasised the gravity of these claims, warning that if substantiated, such actions would constitute a severe breach of public trust.

They expressed particular concern that public officials entrusted with law enforcement might have exchanged their authority for financial gain, turning enforcement into complicity and allowing environmental destruction to become a source of revenue.

The statement also referenced reports that disaster management officials had allegedly demanded additional payments from illegal miners to prevent enforcement actions.

This, the Bishops argue, would indicate systemic corruption within several institutions, further eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to uphold the rule of law and protect the environment.

They reiterated their longstanding position on the dire consequences of illegal mining, which has led to the pollution of water bodies, the degradation of agricultural land, the displacement of communities, and the loss of life due to unsafe mining practices.

The Bishops also highlighted the long-term implications of illegal mining on public health and ecological sustainability, stressing that the issue of galamsey (illegal mining) is not just an environmental matter, but one of national importance, affecting the integrity of governance and the future of the country’s generations.

In response to the investigative documentary, the Catholic Bishops of Ghana supported four key proposals presented by JoyNews to address the issue:

1. Independent and Transparent Investigation: The Bishops called on President John Dramani Mahama to establish an independent, transparent investigation into the allegations. They stressed the importance of a thorough, impartial inquiry that would be credible in the eyes of the public and would ensure that similar practices are scrutinised in other districts, if necessary.
2. Suspension of Implicated Officials: They urged that officials who are credibly implicated in the allegations be interdicted pending the outcome of the investigation. This would ensure that the integrity of the investigative process is maintained and that justice is pursued.
3. Public Audit of Assembly Revenues: The Bishops also advocated for a full public audit of all revenues and accounts managed by the District Assembly in relation to mining activities. They underscored that citizens have the right to know if public funds were lawfully collected and managed, and they called on the Minerals Commission and other relevant bodies to cooperate fully in this process.
4. Strengthened Oversight Mechanisms: The Bishops recommended that nationwide oversight mechanisms governing anti-galamsey operations be strengthened. This includes improving accountability structures, enhancing monitoring systems, and providing greater protection for whistleblowers who may expose corruption and misconduct.

While emphasising the need for due process and the presumption of innocence, the Bishops called for prompt, transparent, and decisive action in response to the allegations.

They warned that failure to act would risk further weakening public trust in the government and its ability to address illegal mining effectively.

The Bishops extended their support and prayers to all those involved in the fight against galamsey, especially the investigative journalists and activists whose work often places them in danger from illegal miners.

They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts to restore integrity to institutions and protect the environment for future generations.

"We remain committed to supporting lawful efforts to restore institutional integrity and to safeguard God's creation for present and future generations," the statement ended.