As Ghana intensifies the fight against galamsey, we must remember that environmental destruction is not merely a policy issue but a profound moral failing — a “sin against creation.”
The Church calls on all citizens, especially those in positions of influence, to reject greed and complicity in environmental degradation. True stewardship of the earth requires honesty, justice, and collective responsibility to protect the common good and preserve God’s creation for generations to come.
Act 995 Must Not Be Shelved
The revelation that the Attorney-General’s Department may have ignored Act 995 — the law prescribing tougher penalties for illegal mining — is deeply troubling. If true, it raises serious questions about the Government’s commitment to ending the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
When Act 995 was enacted, it was hailed as a strong legal response to a national emergency. The law recognised that galamsey was not merely an economic offence but a moral and ecological one — a crime against future generations. It was designed to deter offenders through stiff sentences and heavy fines, ensuring that no one, whether Ghanaian or foreigner, would consider galamsey a low-risk venture.
To quietly sidestep such legislation, without explanation or public debate, undermines the rule of law and the credibility of the Government’s anti-galamsey campaign. Ghanaians deserve transparency. If there are legal or procedural concerns with Act 995, the Attorney-General must say so openly. Silence, in this case, is not prudence but abdication.
The Church has long emphasised the moral duty to protect creation — to safeguard rivers, forests, and the land itself, which sustains us all. Galamsey is not only destroying Ghana’s natural heritage but also threatening livelihoods, health, and the common good.
We therefore urge the Attorney-General and all relevant authorities to act decisively. The law exists; it must be applied. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done — for the sake of our people, our environment, and the generations yet to come.
Mission Begins at Home
This World Mission Sunday, October 19, Pope Leo XIV invites every parish to rekindle the flame of missionary zeal — to be“missionaries of hope among the peoples.”
His call reminds us that the mission of the Church is not reserved for a few who travel to distant lands; it begins with each of us, right where we are — in our homes, workplaces, parishes, and communities. Every act of kindness, every prayer for the suffering, every effort to share the light of Christ makes us true missionaries of hope.
Mission is not merely an activity; it is the very identity of the Church. Through our prayers, sacrifices, and material support, we sustain those who serve in faraway mission territories — and we bring the Gospel to life in our own corner of the world.
As we respond to the Holy Father’s invitation, may we rediscover the joy of giving, the beauty of faith in action, and the peace that comes from being witnesses of Christ’s love.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
A Time of Grace and Renewal
The Archdiocese of Cape Coast celebrates a remarkable milestone this year — 75 years as Ghana’s first Archdiocese — alongside the Universal Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis. Together, these observances form a Double Jubilee of Grace, calling for gratitude, reflection, and renewal of faith.
Established in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, the Archdiocese of Cape Coast has played a pioneering role in the growth of the Catholic Church in Ghana and beyond. Its Diamond Jubilee is therefore not only a celebration of history, but a reaffirmation of mission — to bring the light of Christ to the world.
The Jubilee of Hope, which opened in Rome on Christmas Eve 2024, invites all Catholics to become “Pilgrims of Hope.” In a world clouded by conflict, fear, and uncertainty, it challenges us to rediscover the enduring strength of Christian hope — an anchor that holds firm in life’s storms.
Rooted in Scripture, the Jubilee tradition has always been a time of forgiveness, liberation, and renewal. It is a call to reconcile with God, with neighbour, and with creation; to forgive debts and wrongs; and to restore right relationships within our families and communities.
As Cape Coast prepares to climax its celebrations on October 25, 2025, with a Pontifical High Mass presided over by Cardinal Winfrid Fox Napier, the faithful are reminded that jubilee joy must lead to action — to deeper faith, mercy, and justice in daily life.
May this Double Jubilee inspire all believers to live as true witnesses of hope, gratitude, and peace — ensuring that the blessings of the past become the foundation for a future filled with faith in God’s unfailing love.
Life Jackets Save Lives – Safety on the Lake Must Come First
The latest Volta Lake disaster is a painful reminder that preventable deaths continue to occur on our waterways. The loss of eleven children — some as young as two years old — is not just a tragedy for their families, but a national shame that demands urgent, sustained action.
Water transport remains vital for many communities along the Volta Lake, yet safety often takes a back seat to convenience or cost. Boats are overloaded, life jackets are scarce or ignored, and children — many of them helping parents in fishing or trading — are exposed daily to grave danger.
Authorities must go beyond investigations to ensure lasting reforms: strict enforcement of safety regulations, compulsory use of life jackets for every passenger, and prosecution of negligent operators. Parents and community leaders, too, must play their part by refusing to risk the lives of children for economic gain.
No life should be lost simply because a basic safety measure was ignored. Every journey on the lake must begin and end with safety — because life jackets save lives.
