The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, has issued a passionate plea for an end to illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Addressing a gathering of Religious Priests, Brothers and Sisters as well as a section of the faithful at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra recently, Archbishop Kwofie expressed deep concern over the environmental degradation caused by galamsey operations across Ghana.
He lamented, “When a nation reaches a point where its revered men and women who are Brothers, Priests, and Women who are religious take to the streets, then the country is really facing a problem.”
Highlighting the detrimental impact of galamsey, Archbishop Kwofie said he was frustrated at the lack of effective action despite repeated calls for change, saying, “We have cried and cried out but without any positive response. Our waters are getting more and more dirty. The colour is absolutely appalling. The fishes are dying. Our Cocoa farms are being overtaken by galamsey trawlers we think we are getting richer but infact, we are getting poorer. When will this nonsense be stopped?” he asked.
Drawing on biblical teachings, Archbishop Kwofie urged responsible stewardship of Ghana’s natural resources, quoting Ecclesiastes 5:10: “Whoever loves money, never has enough. Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” He called on Ghanaians to prioritise sustainable practices that safeguard the environment for future generations.
“We are indulging in acts as if we have forgotten our future. As if we have forgotten our children’s children. We want to leave them impoverished. Let us show that we are responsible citizens. Let us show that we are responsible for the future of our children and the future of our country,” he adviced.
“Let us leave the country with clean rivers. Let us be surrounded by gardens of green trees. Do not be deceived. Gold will finish but trees will endure forever, Archbishop Kwofie added.
The Archbishop was speaking after a candle-light procession organised by Religious Priests, Brothers, and Sisters in support of environmental protection.
The procession, organised by the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana (CMSR-Gh), is part of activities marking the Jubilee Year celebrations under the theme: Send Forth Your Spirit and Renew the Face of the Earth, as declared by Pope Francis.
Ghana’s widespread illegal mining activities are destroying the gold-rich West African country’s forests.
The mining industry in Ghana involves both large global players but also artisanal mining activities, many of which are illegal. Catholic Trends
