Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Religious Ghana urges continued fight against illegal mining amid ecological and human rights concerns

The Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Religious – Ghana (CMSR-GH) has convened its second bi-annual meeting, calling on advocates and activists to persevere in the fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, until meaningful success is achieved. Held under the theme “Consecrated Life for Human Rights Protection and Ecological Justice” in Brofoyaw, Cape Coast, the conference emphasised both advocacy and action in the protection of Ghana’s environment.

In a goodwill message, Bishop of Donkorkrom Vicariate and Episcopal Vicar for Priests and Religious, Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu of the Divine Word Missionaries, urged stakeholders to maintain and even intensify efforts against the environmental devastation caused by galamsey. He stressed that consecrated men and women of God, having recognised the ecological destruction, must not only speak out but also pursue tangible action.

Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel, encouraged participants to act as “religious and pilgrims of hope” in their communities, deliberating on issues in a Christ-like manner. Father Paul Saa-Dade Ennin, President of CMSR-GH, highlighted that last year marked the launch of the conference’s Jubilee Year of Hope, dedicated to environmental protection and advocacy. During this period, consecrated persons and other stakeholders nationwide were mobilised to condemn indiscriminate mining practices harming forests, water bodies, and ecosystems. “Even though the battle is not ended, we can rejoice seeing the many passionate voices crying out loud against the galamsey menace and putting government on its toes to carry out its mandate of protecting the land and its people,” Father Ennin stated.

In his address, co-guest speaker and Member of Parliament for Madina, Mr Francis Xavier Sosu, described galamsey as a major threat to intergenerational equity, warning that present exploitation could compromise the land’s value for future generations. He expressed hope that coordinated efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and President Mahama’s programs would eventually curb the menace. Mr Sosu also advocated for stakeholder engagements with miners to educate them on the destructive consequences of their activities.

Friar Joseph Blay, OFM Conventual, underscored that the conference aimed to raise awareness about the religious role as advocates rather than activists. He cited weak leadership and a lack of political will as contributing factors to the persistence of galamsey, referencing Acts 703 and 995 of the constitution, which entrusts all minerals in Ghana to the President, countering claims that chiefs have the right to sell land for gold. Friar Blay further urged Christians to honour their God-given mandate to protect the poor and the environment, emphasising civic responsibility, including the avoidance of littering in public spaces.

The CMSR-GH conference thus reaffirmed its commitment to ecological justice, human rights protection, and sustained advocacy against the illegal mining menace threatening Ghana’s environment and communities.