The Catholic Bishops of the Accra Archdiocese, along with thousands of parishioners, led an ‘Environmental Prayer Walk’ through the Ghanaian capital on Friday to protest against illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey’. The peaceful demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the environmental devastation caused by unregulated gold-mining operations.
The march culminated in the presentation of a petition to the presidency, calling for urgent government action to protect Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems from the ravages of galamsey. Protesters united in demanding stronger environmental protections and an end to the destructive practice.
Fr. Michael Quarcoo, Director of Governance, Justice & Peace and Chaplain to Parliament, representing the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, emphasized the collective nature of the fight against galamsey, stating, “It is the fight of all of us. Policy makers, those who are involved in the business, our traditional leaders and indeed every Ghanaian.”
The environmental crisis has sparked calls for drastic measures, including declaring a state of emergency in mining areas and cancelling mining licenses. This comes as Ghana, facing an economic crisis, prepares to resume debt repayments in two weeks.
The protest ended at Christ the King Temple, adjacent to Revolution Square—a location previously off-limits to democracy activists. This choice of venue raises questions about potential shifts in police strategy towards protests or the continuation of selective justice.
As Ghana grapples with the economic and environmental impacts of galamsey, the Catholic Church’s involvement highlights the growing urgency of the issue and the broadening coalition of voices calling for change.
