The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, on Friday, led an “Environmental Prayer Walk” to campaign against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and to draw attention to the urgent need for action to protect Ghana’s environment.
The peaceful protest began with a “Service of Preparation” at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, before parishioners and priests embarked on a symbolic walk through several key landmarks in Accra.
Route of the protest walk
The participants, led by priests, walked from the Holy Spirit Cathedral along Castle Road to the Old Electoral Commission Office at Ridge, proceeded to the AU Roundabout, and continued along Independence Avenue to the Ako Adjei Interchange.
From there, they moved toward the National Police Headquarters Traffic Light, traversed Josif Broz Tito Avenue, and finally concluded the walk at Christ the King Catholic Church on Jawaharlal Nehru Road.
Throughout the walk, worshippers carried placards with messages calling for the immediate cessation of galamsey activities, highlighting its destructive impact on Ghana’s natural resources.
A united call to end galamsey
The protest saw the active participation of Catholic worshippers, environmental activists, and concerned members of the public, all united in their plea to end the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
Priests, during the march, reiterated the Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s commitment to the fight against galamsey, dispelling any rumors of disassociation from the cause.
Rev. Father Godwin Fiawoyi, in his address at the Service of Preparation, encouraged participants to remain steadfast in their advocacy, emphasizing the importance of protecting Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
Petition to the govt
At the climax of the walk, a petition was presented to Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Flagstaff House. The petitioners called for decisive government action, including declaring a state of emergency on illegal mining, enforcing a moratorium on issuing mining licenses, repealing specific mining-related laws (LI 2462), prosecuting offenders, and initiating education campaigns to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
The petition also urged the government to promote sustainable mining practices, implement alternative livelihood programmes, and lead a political campaign to end galamsey.
Govt response
Mr. Adumua-Bossman praised the Catholic Archdiocese for their peaceful demonstration and urged other groups to follow their example.
He assured the participants that President Akufo Addo, upon his return from international duties, would give their concerns the necessary attention and work toward addressing the issues raised in the petition.
This prayer walk is part of the Catholic Church’s broader effort to mobilize public support against illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies.
