Eminent Ghanaian Clergymen Join Call for Ban on Illegal Mining

Nineteen eminent Ghanaian pastors calling themselves the Apostolic Fathers of Ghana have joined the call for a ban on illegal small-scale mining popularly known as galamsey in the country.

A two-page statement issued by the clergymen mulled over the health complications and the livelihoods the menace threatened coupled with its attendant environmental destruction.

They indicated that the consequences of illegal mining far outweigh all other selfish interests.

“If left unchecked, it will lead to environmental disaster, food insecurity and health crises across our beloved nation,” their statement indicated.

Chastising authorities for turning a blind eye to the escalating menace, the group also urged all calibre of persons engaged in it to reconsider the long-term consequences.

“Our love for Ghana compels us to act. The beauty and prosperity of our nation are rooted in the land that God has blessed us with and it is our collective responsibility to protect it. We must show love for our country and fellow citizens by safeguarding the land that sustains us. If we really love Ghana, we will not destroy it for our selfish gains. Illegal mining is destroying what has been entrusted to us and this violation must stop if we are to preserve the blessings of this nation for future generations.”

Drawing inspiration from Psalm 24:1 and Genesis 2:15, they demanded a ban on illegal mining.

“We are calling for a temporary ban on all forms of small-scale mining activities in the country while we look for a permanent solution to this menace.”

Meanwhile, Labour has given an 18-day ultimatum to the President to declare a state of emergency or face its wrath.

But at an event on Wednesday, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources characterized the call for a ban and declaration of a state of emergency as “draconian”.

“Declaring a state of emergency, that is in the bosom of the president, but I find that being far-reaching, [being] a very draconian measure to take. So we will engage him and we will have this conversation, and I believe out of that, we maybe need to come up with some consensus that we can work with.”

The 19 clergymen making up the Apostolic Fathers of Ghana are Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, Apostle-General Sam Korankye-Ankee, Bishop N.A. Tackie-Yarboi, Rev. Eastwood Anaba and Rev. Dr. Robert Ampiah-Kwofie,

Also included are Bishop Dr. Samuel N. Mensah, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Markwei, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Rev. Dr. Isaac Quaye, Rt. Rev. Dr. Anyani Boadum, Rev. Dr. Seth Ablorh, Rev. Bob Asare, Bishop Dr. Gideon Titi-Ofei, Rev. Steve Mensah, Bishop Gordon Kisseih, Bishop Victor Osei and Bishop Dr. Oppong Adu-Gyamfi.