Emeritus Bishop of the Konongo-Mampong Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu, has sounded a strong warning on the devastating impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, stressing that Ghana’s survival is at stake if drastic action is not taken.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, he cautioned that while leaders focus on the potential economic gains from gold exports, the destruction of water bodies and arable land could leave Ghana uninhabitable.

According to him, the country faces an existential threat.

“Ghana is at war. We are not at war with Togo, or Ivory Coast, or Burkina Faso. We are at war with galamsey. And if we don’t take care, a time will come when we will get plenty of gold exports, but then there will be no water to drink. And Ghana will cease to exist,” he warned.

He further cautioned against focusing only on revenue while ignoring environmental destruction.

“At the end of the day, when you get all this gold, will you be able to eat it? Will you be able to drink it? You need water to drink. You need good water for all kinds of things. And so the President should listen to all these groups that are speaking.”

Most Rev. Osei-Bonsu stressed that the fight against galamsey must transcend partisan politics.

“The right thing should be done. Whether it’s an NDC government or an NPP government, Ghana comes first. Our welfare comes first. And so whatever needs to be done should be done,” he added.