In a bold move that has sparked nationwide reactions, the Catholic Church in Ghana has announced plans to stage a protest against the devastating effects of illegal mining, commonly known as “Galamsey.” Scheduled for October 11, 2024, the Church will also submit a formal petition to President Nana Akufo-Addo, demanding immediate action to combat the environmental degradation caused by the activity.
The Church’s planned protest has reignited public discourse about the government’s handling of the Galamsey crisis, which has plagued water bodies, forests, and farmlands across the country. Many Ghanaians have expressed frustration over what they perceive as the government’s inadequate response to the situation, despite repeated calls to end illegal mining. Some citizens have gone as far as questioning whether the president will once again deploy the police to quell the protests, as he did during the #EndGalamseyNow demonstrations earlier this year.
A growing number of voices have urged President Akufo-Addo to take decisive action, even if it risks alienating voters in mining communities. “Enough is enough,” said one critic. “The president should call for an emergency stop to Galamsey and forget about not getting votes from Galamsey communities for Vice President Bawumia.” They emphasized that the long-term environmental damage outweighs any short-term political considerations.
There is also concern about how the authorities will handle the Catholic Church’s demonstration. During the #EndGalamseyNow protests, 32 activists were arrested and remanded, a move that was widely criticized by opposition groups and civil society organizations. This time, the public is watching closely to see if the police will act similarly toward religious leaders and their followers. “Will the police arrest men of God or their members this time round, as they did with the #EndGalamseyNow protestors?” one social media commentator asked. “That would be a total disgrace, and he can’t do it.”
Critics have also pushed back against claims that the arrested protestors were affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), questioning whether the Catholic Church leaders will now be labeled NDC members too. “This is beyond politics. It’s time to end Galamsey now,” another activist declared.
With the Catholic Church’s involvement, the fight against illegal mining has gained a new dimension, heightening pressure on President Akufo-Addo’s administration to take meaningful action against the menace.
Source: GHOne TV Official Facebook Page
