The most prominent leaders of the Ghanaian Charismatic movement who are known as the Apostolic Fathers of Ghana, have declare their deeply concerned about the worrying rise in illegal gold mining, or “galamsey,” which has devastated our country. 

Many Ghanaians, particularly those living in rural regions who depend on the land and water for livelihood, are seen to be negatively impacted by this unlawful activity, which also poses a threat to their health and way of life.

The religious leaders said that a great deal of study has shown that Galamsey has caused deforestation, contamination of rivers and streams, and damage of farmlands. This has not only made it unhealthy to drink, but it has also made fertile terrain unfit for farming. Serious health issues, food insecurity, and environmental catastrophes would result from the unmanaged effects if our dear country is not saved.

“We, The Apostolic Fathers of Ghana, demand that all foreign nationals, politicians, and traditional leaders engaged in this illegal mining practice immediately cease these destructive endeavors. We implore you to put the interests of the country and future generations ahead of your own short-term convenience. 

“In addition, we strongly denounce individuals in powerful positions who, out of self-interest and personal benefit, have ignored this serious problem. We implore such people to pause, think about what they are doing, and the long-term effects their inactivity will have on the environment and the people they are supposed to help. Ghana cannot afford to allow its citizens’ well-being to be swallowed by greed.

“Our love for Ghana pushes us to take action. The land that God has endowed us with is the foundation of our country’s beauty and wealth, and it is our shared duty to preserve it. We owe it to our nation and fellow people to protect the land that provides for our needs. We won’t ruin Ghana for our own gain if we genuinely love it. We must put an end to illegal mining if we are to protect the blessings of this country for future generations. It is destroying what God has entrusted to us,” they stated in a statement.

The statement proceeded, “We are calling for an indefinite ban on all small-scale mining operations in the nation while we search for a long-term solution to this threat. We also extend an invitation to the clergy and other morally or spiritually powerful people in our country to stand up and denounce this environmental disaster. Raise your voices and convey the need to oppose the forces and protect God’s creation.

The government’s initiatives to combat Galamsey have been delineated by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor.

The  Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has emphasized the importance of responsible mining in preserving the environment and ensuring the well-being of communities affected by mining activities. 

The government has adopted additional measures to tackle illegal small-scale mining, including intensifying enforcement actions and establishing responsible community mining schemes. 

The Ministry urges support for these efforts to protect the environment, preserve water bodies, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. The government is committed to a partisan-free discourse to root out this issue.

BY: APPIANIMAA MERCY