The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra is expected to spearhead a large-scale Environmental Prayer Walk today, urging the government to declare a state of emergency to address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining (galamsey). The event, which seeks to raise awareness about the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s environment, is being led by the country’s Catholic Bishops, who are calling on Ghanaians to take part in what they describe as an “environmental prayer war.”
Beginning at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, participants will march through various major routes, symbolically covering areas affected by mining activity. The Bishops hope the initiative will send a strong message to both the government and citizens about the need for immediate and decisive action to stop all forms of illegal mining.
“We recognize our moral obligation to protect God’s creation,” the Bishops stated. They emphasized the need for action, not just words, in addressing the damage inflicted on Ghana’s natural resources by uncontrolled mining practices. The march reflects growing frustration over the government’s perceived lack of effective intervention, despite repeated promises to tackle the galamsey crisis.
The Bishops explained that declaring a state of emergency would create the legal framework necessary to halt all mining activities, allowing time for an evaluation of the damage and the development of strategies for restoring the land.
The environmental prayer walk underscores the increasingly vocal stance of religious leaders in Ghana on social and environmental issues. The Catholic Church’s involvement in this initiative reflects its broader commitment to social justice, especially in the face of environmental degradation that disproportionately affects the poor and rural communities.
The Ghana Police Service, in anticipation of the event’s scale, has assured the public that security measures are in place. Traffic disruptions are expected along the route, and the police have asked for the public’s cooperation in managing the affected areas.
This initiative is one of many efforts by civil society groups pushing for more comprehensive solutions to end galamsey, which has caused significant pollution of water bodies and widespread destruction of forests and farmlands across Ghana.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
