The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, John Bonaventure Kwofie, has issued a passionate call to President John Dramani Mahama to move from promises to concrete action in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Delivering a homily at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Accra on Sunday, Archbishop Kwofie did not mince words as he questioned the government’s commitment to ending the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
“Nothing is too late for the President to say ‘enough is enough.’ Galamsey is a complex war, yes, but the complexity cannot be whisked away. We must fight it. We must be seen fighting against galamsey,” he charged.
Referencing the President’s recent May Day address, the Archbishop directly challenged the credibility of the government’s resolve, saying, “In your May Day address, you told us that our gallant men of the armed forces and security services are up to the task.”
“Is that a make-believe talk, or will you take it seriously? We don’t want this talk, we want action,” he added, making it clear that public patience is wearing thin.
He lamented the ongoing destruction of the country’s natural heritage, stating, “We are poisoning our waters, and we are losing our forests.”
Calling for visible enforcement from security agencies, Archbishop Kwofie said, “Let us see our gallant men and women of the armed forces [take action]. The security service has not given up on the fight.”
He ended his remarks on a note of resistance and hope, invoking a rallying cry: “Are we fighting to regain our forest zones and river bodies? Aluta Continua.”
