The President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, said the impact of galamsey goes beyond the destruction of forests and water bodies, warning that its consequences could threaten food safety and the health of communities across the country.
Speaking to Citi News, he stressed that illegal mining posed serious dangers to the population, citing concerns about the contamination of water systems and the food chain.
“You cannot stop fighting galamsey. It is poisonous and very dangerous, creating other sicknesses, introducing illegal drugs into the water system, the food chain and etc,” he said.
Most Rev. Gyamfi called on President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to demonstrate stronger political will and take extraordinary steps to tackle the problem.
According to him, the government’s responsibility to protect the lives and welfare of citizens requires firm action against activities that continue to endanger the country’s environment and public health.
He argued that declaring a state of emergency would signal the seriousness of the government’s commitment to confronting illegal mining and protecting affected communities.
The bishops’ renewed appeal adds to calls for stronger national action against galamsey, as concerns persist over its environmental and social consequences.
Most Rev. Gyamfi maintained that the fight against illegal mining must remain a priority, stressing the need for sustained enforcement and decisive interventions to protect Ghana’s natural resources and the well-being of its people.
