President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Most Rev Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has urged political parties not to play politics with the lives of Ghanaians.

According to him, the complicity of political leaders, some chiefs, and the lack of political will have worsened the illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.

Speaking at a press briefing organised by the Media Coalition Against Galamsey on Wednesday, September 11, Rev Gyamfi called on political parties to unite in addressing the increasing activities of galamsey, which pose a severe threat to the nation's existence.

“We urge the political parties not to do politics with our lives. We need action from both of them and that is why we call for immediate and decisive action by the government,” he said. 

Rev Gyamfi emphasised that no individual, regardless of their status or authority, should be spared when it comes to protecting the lives of Ghanaians.

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“We wish to state that Ghanaians can no longer tolerate the lip service of the government of whatever colour in the fight against galamsey. And we call for action not tomorrow but now and all hands must get on board,” he said.

The GCBC President stated that despite the existence of environmental protection laws, its enforcement has been weak and inconsistent.

He stressed that the government has the authority and legal backing to resolve the illegal mining issue if he decides to do it.

However, he asserted that if the government does not stop the illegal mining menace, it is because they do not want to and care less about the lives of Ghanaians.

“We urge them to stop the lip service in fighting galamsey by employing all available means to halt illegal mining activities now otherwise we will hold them responsible when we can and put in place what we the populace can do to protect our lives,” Rev Gyamfi noted.

Rev Gyamfi also commended the efforts of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey and encouraged all stakeholders to unite in the fight against illegal mining.