In a move blending faith and activism, the Catholic Bishops of Ghana took to the streets of Accra in a unique form of protest—one that replaced provocative placards and chants with rosaries and prayers.
“Come with your rosary, and for those unable to, you are still welcome to pray with us. We must unite in fait
h to protect our land from destruction,” the bishops urged Ghanaians at a press conference. Their plea cuts to the heart of Ghana’s crisis with illegal mining, which has ravaged the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
But before you imagine a sea of people in white cassocks marching to the rhythm of protest chants, think again. The bishops opted for a different approach, one they believe will stir the soul and move mountains. “Protest” might be too strong a word, so they’ve called it a “prayer walk”—a gentle, spiritual appeal to both God and the nation’s leadership to take swift action to stop illegal mining.
Before the walk, the bishops called on Catholics and all well-meaning Christians to join this movement of faith. Their goal? To urge the government to declare a state of emergency. “It’s time to stop all forms of mining activities temporarily,” they stressed, “to allow for the healing of the land and an evaluation of the damage.”
The scene during the walk was devoid of JAMA (cheer songs) and the fierce energy typical of a rally. Instead, it was serene, filled with moments of reflection and a collective call for divine intervention. The priests hope that through prayer, the hearts of the President and other government officials will be moved, prompting the urgent action this crisis demands.
Labour Unions had initially planned to embark on a protest on 9th October 2024 but suspended it, explaining that the government had agreed to suggestions on tackling illegal mining. As part of a crackdown, a government task force had seized and destroyed 18 Chanfan machines, commonly used for illegal gold extraction along the Birim River. They also destroyed 10 water pumping machines. The operation carried out under the enhanced “Operation Halt” initiative, included the burning of other industrial equipment linked to illegal mining.
Despite these government efforts, the bishops did not abandon their plan to protest. Rosaries in hand, the wooden or silver beads slipped through their fingers as their lips moved silently in prayer. The sound of their collective footsteps echoed in the air. Each priest was in deep contemplation, their faces marked by quiet resolve. Some clutched their rosaries tightly as if their faith alone could bear the weight of the nation’s troubles.
Behind them, a peaceful procession of laypeople and faithful Catholics followed in step, their heads bowed in prayer. The air was filled with religious songs, occasionally interrupted by the hushed murmur of the familiar “Hail Mary, full of grace.”
In the 29-degree Celsius weather, the Catholic priests walked with unwavering resolve. Their white cassocks, once crisp, now clung to their bodies, drenched in sweat.
Christians from other denominations were also present, using prayer as their weapon against environmental destruction. It wasn’t just a walk; it was a spiritual stand to save the country’s future.
It’s a powerful image of unity—a calm but eloquent demand for the government to do better. As the priests pressed forward, they resembled guardians of the earth, sent on a divine mission to protect what is sacred, not only to their faith but to the entire nation.
The priests eventually petitioned the Presidency before proceeding to Christ the King Parish for mass. Speaking at the service, Rev. Father Godwin Fiawoyi urged participants to remain resolute in their advocacy for the preservation of Ghana’s natural resources.
Photos by Steve Torto
