The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has urged government to back its anti-galamsey commitments with stronger enforcement, accountability, and resources.
While acknowledging the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as a “positive step,” the Bishops stressed that the agency must be adequately resourced to be effective.
They proposed that part of Goldbod’s proceeds be directly allocated to NAIMOS and called for confiscated excavators to be auctioned at one-third of their value, with funds redirected to joint enforcement operations by the Forestry Commission and the police.
On law enforcement, the Bishops noted that the police remain the primary agency responsible for fighting illegal mining but have been hampered by lack of resources and corruption.
They urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to complete long-delayed transfers of commanders in galamsey-endemic areas and assign them clear performance indicators linked to ending illegal mining.
At the same time, the Bishops rejected arguments that galamsey provides much-needed employment for young people.
“As a nation governed by the rule of law, justifying illegal activities on the basis that they provide employment for thousands of youth is unacceptable.
“Allowing such practices to continue sets a dangerous precedent and poses serious risks to national security,” the statement warned.
The GCBC also expressed frustration over delays in prosecuting offenders, questioning why promised fast-track courts have not yet been established.
“We are aware of delays in prosecuting galamsey offenders and question why the promised fast-track courts have not been established, despite the government setting up Goldbod in just three months,” the Bishops stated.
