The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has alleged that some politicians, Members of Parliament (MPs), Municipal and District Chief Executives (MCEs), and traditional leaders are involved in the practice despite their responsibility to help combat it.
President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev Matthew Gyamfi, made the remarks during an engagement with Parliament’s Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs.
He called for decisive and responsible action to address illegal mining, warning that its environmental and social consequences far outweigh any perceived economic benefits.
“Illegal mining is still ongoing, unfortunately, sadly, dangerously. Youth unemployment, environmental degradation, we call for responsible and decisive action. We are destroying God’s creation,” he said.
Most Rev Gyamfi disclosed that the Conference had received a letter from a Member of Parliament who was reportedly involved in a dispute with an MCE over illegal mining activities.
According to him, the incident reflects the complexities and challenges surrounding efforts to combat the practice.
“There are clear evidences that some chiefs, some politicians, some MPs, some MCEs engage in this. Now it appears that it is even formalised as a way of giving employment to people. But if we do the cost-benefit analysis, we see we are on the losing side greatly,” he added.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has therefore called for urgent action to address both youth unemployment and the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
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