The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has urged President John Dramani Mahama to show strong leadership in the fight against galamsey, or illegal mining, by bringing notable offenders to justice.
During a meeting by the President with CSOs’ at the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3, the Bishops stated that the government must do more than just talk when it comes to taking visible action against influential people behind the menace.
“We urge you, Your Excellency, to provide clearer benchmarks that will trigger a state of emergency. Visible prosecution of kingpins, including those named in official reports. Measurable performance indicators for local authorities and security services.
“Protection for communities and traditional authorities who resist galamsey. Accountability for those complicit,” the Bishops urged.
The Bishops cautioned that Ghana’s natural resources and safety of Ghanaians were in jeopardy, emphasising that no one should be perceived as above the law.
“Our people must see that no one is above the law. We are with you in this fight, and we urge you to act with courage and moral clarity.
History will not measure your leadership by words alone, but by the protection you secured for generations yet unborn. Our house is on fire, let’s put it out,” the Bishops stated.
