The Ghana chapter of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) has condemned the government’s inaction on the illegal mining crisis, which continues to devastate the country’s ecosystems and exploit vulnerable communities.
In a press statement issued on September 6, 2024, CYNESA urged key stakeholders to take decisive action to combat this environmental and social catastrophe.
The group expressed outrage at the government’s silence on the issue, despite the alarming rate of environmental degradation and social exploitation caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey. CYNESA criticized the current inaction, citing the urgent need for concrete steps to address the crisis.
CYNESA called on Catholic Members of Parliament to speak out and take decisive action, and urged the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference to mobilize Catholics across the nation to demand immediate action to end galamsey through peaceful protests.
The group also appealed to the faithful, including the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, St. John International, and the Ladies Auxiliary, to become “true defenders of justice and faith” and advocate for change.
The statement, issued by Country Director and Coordinator for West Africa, Francisca Dommetieru Ziniel, emphasized the need for collective action to address the galamsey crisis. “Every day, our young people suffer as a result of the neglect and failure of those in power,” the statement added.
CYNESA’s call comes after the Ghana Medical Association and other health unions and associations urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ban all small-scale mining operations, citing the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies, and the serious public health and environmental threats posed by galamsey.
The issue of galamsey has become a national public disaster, with successive governments failing to effectively address the menace.
Despite the current government’s initiatives, including the passage of the Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, galamsey activities continue to ravage the country.
With the general elections approaching, CYNESA’s call for action serves as a reminder that the fight against galamsey requires collective effort and commitment from all stakeholders, including political leaders, religious organizations, and civil society.
The group’s appeal emphasizes the need for urgent action to protect Ghana’s environment, communities, and future generations.
