The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, in conjunction with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious Congregations, has reinforced its decision to organize a national prayer walk to combat illegal mining, or galamsey, on Friday, October 11, 2024. The event, beginning at 8:00 AM at the Holy Spirit Cathedral and concluding with an Episcopal Mass at Christ the King Parish, aims to raise public consciousness and call on the government to take swift action to halt the ongoing environmental destruction.
Illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, has led to severe environmental damage across Ghana, contaminating water sources, destroying farmland, and endangering livelihoods. Although the government has made efforts to curb the practice, it continues, sparking fears over the lasting effects on the country’s natural resources and communities. In reaction to this, the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, a letter dated October 4, 2024 to inform the public on a national prayer walk, against the illicit menace.
The Bishops stressed the responsibility of both Catholics and Ghanaians to safeguard the environment. “We recognize our moral obligation to protect God’s creation and promote integral human development, not only in words but also in action. As the Latinists say, facta non verba” they remarked.
The Bishops called upon Catholics, Christians, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to take part in what they referred to as an “environmental prayer war against galamsey.” The initiative focuses on urging the government to declare a state of emergency. “The goal of this prayer walk is to raise awareness about the devastating effects of galamsey, advocate for the government to declare a state of emergency to stop all forms of mining activities, and allow for evaluation of the damage and healing of the land,” the Bishops explained.
They further underscored the urgency for governmental action. “We are mobilizing Catholics and Ghanaians to demand that government acts now and not keep giving promises. Our land and our future are at stake,” the Bishops asserted.
Participants will deliver a petition to the President at the Jubilee House before continuing to Christ the King Parish. The Bishops also emphasized the need for a unified effort, calling for collaboration to tackle the environmental damage. “We must foster collaboration among stakeholders to address the issue of mining activities that are destructive to our environment.“Come with your rosary, and for those who are unable to, you are still welcome to pray with us. We must unite in faith to protect our land from destruction”, they noted.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng