The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, along with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana, has called on President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency to combat the rampant destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The call comes after the Church on Friday, October 11 led an "Environmental Prayer Walk" against the extensive environmental damage, particularly the pollution of water bodies and destruction of farmlands, to raise awareness and beseech divine intervention.
In a petition addressed to the President, the Church expressed deep concern over the failure of previous efforts to curb illegal mining, noting that numerous communiqués from the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference have been ignored.
The petition highlighted the urgent need for decisive government action, given the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment, agriculture, and public health.