The National Catholic Laity Council (NCLC), representing Catholic lay men and women across Ghana, has declared full support for the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) in its campaign against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sir John Kofi Tandoh, the Council described galamsey as not only an environmental and economic challenge but also a “moral and spiritual crisis” threatening the very soul of the nation.

“A fight for the soul of Ghana”

The Council said many Catholic lay faithful live in communities hardest hit by illegal mining, witnessing polluted rivers such as the Pra, Birim, Ankobra, and Offin, as well as abandoned farmlands and rising health risks including kidney failure, cancers, and skin diseases. It warned that children are being driven out of school into dangerous mining sites, exchanging education for quick but short-lived gains.

“This is not simply a fight for rivers and forests. It is a fight for the soul of Ghana. It is about the kind of nation we want to leave behind for our children and grandchildren,” the Council stressed.

A moral and spiritual duty

The Council said galamsey offends God’s creation and is incompatible with Christian discipleship. It urged Catholic faithful engaged in illegal mining—whether through direct participation, financing, political protection, or silence—to repent and desist.

“We cannot be both destroyers of creation and witnesses of Christ at the same time,” the Council declared, describing galamsey as “a sin that cries out to heaven for justice.”

Appeal to government and leaders

The NCLC called on government to declare a state of emergency in heavily affected mining zones, prosecute offenders “without fear or favour,” and provide sustainable alternatives for young people, particularly in agriculture, technical training, and regulated small-scale mining.

It also called for a nationwide reforestation and land reclamation drive, urging traditional leaders, political actors, and security agencies to “put the nation first and act with integrity.”

Commitment of the laity

The Catholic laity pledged to intensify education and advocacy against galamsey in parishes and dioceses, support environmental protection and community clean-ups, and instil values of stewardship and honesty in children.

“We pledge our full support to the Bishops and to every effort aimed at ending the menace of galamsey,” the Council said, calling on all citizens to rise together “in unity and faith, to protect our common home.”

The statement concluded with a blessing: “May the Lord bless our homeland Ghana. May He strengthen us as faithful stewards of His creation, and may He guide our leaders to act with wisdom, courage, and righteousness.”