The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) is calling on the government to declare a state of emergency in areas heavily affected by illegal mining, warning that galamsey has become “a profound moral crisis and a spiritual challenge” for the nation. The appeal was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Conference’s Annual Plenary Assembly held in Damongo in the Savannah Region.

According to the Bishops, the scale of environmental destruction caused by illegal mining requires bold and urgent action from President John Dramani Mahama and state authorities. “Creation is not a resource to be exploited,” the communiqué stressed, describing the environment as “a covenantal partner deserving of respect and care.”

The Conference cited alarming statistics to highlight the crisis. More than 5,252 hectares of forest reserves have been destroyed by illegal mining in 2025 alone, while 44 out of 288 forest reserves are now classified as degraded. An estimated 75% of Ghana’s rivers are polluted, largely due to mercury and cyanide from unregulated mining activities.

While acknowledging government efforts such as the creation of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Bishops insisted that the current response is nowhere near sufficient. They urged the President to introduce stronger measures, including the swift and impartial prosecution of offenders, regardless of their political affiliation, and the full reclamation of degraded lands.

They also requested transparent national reporting on water quality, forest cover, and food safety to restore public trust and ensure accountability.

The GCBC commended chiefs and queen mothers who have taken firm positions against galamsey in their communities and encouraged other traditional leaders to do the same. They appealed to citizens to support efforts to “sanitise and heal” Ghana’s land and rivers for both present and future generations.

The communiqué adds to growing pressure on the government to adopt a more aggressive and coordinated approach to a menace that continues to threaten livelihoods, public health, and national security.