The Auxiliary Bishop of the Accra Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to demonstrate bold leadership, courage, and moral clarity in the ongoing national fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a high-level meeting between the President and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the government’s anti-galamsey initiatives, Bishop Asare emphasised the urgent need for credibility, accountability, and visible results in the campaign.
“Your Excellency, credibility is now as important as policy. Our people must see that no one is above the law and that economic expediency cannot outweigh the sacred right to clean water, safe food, and a healthy environment.”
The Auxiliary Bishop of Accra stressed that while successive administrations had made repeated promises to curb the menace, Ghanaians were yet to see bold and measurable actions that would reassure citizens of a genuine commitment. According to him, the time for rhetoric had long passed, and the country now required clear benchmarks that could trigger a declaration of a state of emergency in the most devastated areas.
He further demanded the visible prosecution of individuals and institutions implicated in official reports on illegal mining. Bishop Asare argued that the credibility of the fight rests on ensuring that perpetrators and their enablers, regardless of political influence or social standing, face justice. “Failure to do so will only entrench impunity and erode public trust in state institutions.”
Reiterating longstanding calls, Bishop Asare pressed for the establishment of the promised fast-track courts dedicated to illegal mining cases. Such courts would ensure swift adjudication of galamsey-related offences, thereby strengthening deterrence.
Bishop Asare also called for measurable performance indicators for local authorities and security services, insisting that they must be held directly accountable for the environmental state of their jurisdictions.
He expressed concern for traditional leaders and communities resisting galamsey, lamenting that many face threats and intimidation, while others who collude with illegal miners act with impunity. He urged the government to protect those who courageously stand against environmental destruction.
While commending recent government interventions and stakeholder collaborations, Bishop Asare maintained that civil society would continue to serve as a consistent voice of truth, just as it had under previous administrations. “We beg of you, and we urge you to act with courage and moral clarity. Let us fight.”
The meeting, which brought together government officials, security agencies, religious leaders, and CSOs, reviewed progress and sought stronger collaboration in tackling illegal mining — a menace that continues to threaten Ghana’s environment, livelihoods, and the future of generations to come.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
