Ghanaian Bishops Demand Emergency Action to Halt Illegal Mining

Ghana's Catholic Bishops Demand Crackdown on Illegal Mining The Catholic Bishops Conference of Ghana has issued an urgent call for a comprehensive crackdown on illegal mining, demanding an immediate freeze on new and small-scale mining licenses. The Bishops' statement, delivered during a press conference in Accra, highlights the devastating environmental and social impact of this widespread practice. The demand for a freeze is not merely a call for regulation, but for a complete halt to all new licenses until a comprehensive review of environmental and social impact assessments is complete. "We believe there should be a state of emergency declared in all affected zones," stated one Bishop during the conference. "The scale of destruction requires immediate and decisive action." The Bishops' proposal includes deploying military engineering units to assist in the reclamation of damaged lands. Furthermore, they advocate for decentralized oversight and the establishment of district-level mining task forces, composed of civil society representatives and church observers, to monitor operations and ensure compliance with regulations. This collaborative approach aims to create a more transparent and accountable system for mining activities. This initiative represents a significant step in addressing the ongoing challenges of illegal mining in Ghana. The Bishops' strong stance and comprehensive recommendations offer a potential pathway toward restoring environmental integrity and promoting sustainable development.