Cape coast: The Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Religious – Ghana (CMSR-GH) convened its second bi-annual meeting with a strong message urging advocates and activists to persist in their fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, until tangible success is achieved.
According to Ghana News Agency, the gathering, themed ‘Consecrated Life for Human Rights Protection and Ecological Justice,’ featured a goodwill message from Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, Bishop of Donkorkrom Vicariate and Episcopal Vicar for Priests and Religious. Speaking at the conference held in Brofoyaw, Cape Coast, he emphasized the need for stakeholders to maintain and intensify their campaigns against illegal mining, which continues to wreak havoc on both the environment and human life.
Most Rev. Asiedu highlighted the responsibility of consecrated men and women to move beyond advocacy and take decisive action against ecological destruction. Meanwhile, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, encouraged participants to embody religious values and hope, urging them to approach issues with a Christ-like perspective.
Father Paul Saa-Dade Ennin, President of CSMR-GH, reflected on the conference’s Jubilee Year of Hope initiative, which was launched a year prior to advocate for environmental protection. He praised the growing momentum against galamsey, noting that the movement is successfully pressuring the government to fulfill its duty in safeguarding the nation’s land and people.
Member of Parliament for Madina, Mr. Francis Xavier Sosu, a co-guest speaker, underscored the threat of galamsey to inter-generational equity. He expressed optimism that collaborative efforts involving President Mahama, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources would eventually eradicate the menace. He advocated for stakeholder engagement with miners to demonstrate the destructive impact of their activities.
Friar Joseph Blay, OFM Conventual, also addressed the conference, stressing the importance of religious figures as advocates rather than activists. He attributed the persistence of illegal mining to weak leadership and insufficient political will to enforce environmental laws. Citing constitutional acts, he clarified that no individual has the right to sell land for gold, countering the notion that chiefs are responsible for such transactions.
Friar Blay urged Christians to fulfill their divine duty to protect both the impoverished and the environment. He called on society members to uphold civic responsibilities by refraining from littering and other harmful practices, thereby contributing to a healthier environment.