In the wake of a recently planned environmental prayer walk in Accra, Archbishop Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, the Archbishop of Kumasi, has clarified that the Catholic Bishops' Conference is not involved in or supporting the event.
The Archbishop emphasized that the walk, which was organized by the Accra Archdiocese, is not connected to the Bishops' Conference and should not be mistaken for a demonstration or protest against illegal mining, commonly known as "galamsey."
"The Catholic Bishops' Conference does not endorse strikes or protests regarding the galamsey issue," said Archbishop Anokye, stressing the need for a comprehensive and collaborative solution involving all stakeholders.
He pointed out that the illegal mining problem is complex, impacting the environment, local communities, and numerous industries.
He said Approximately four million people, directly or indirectly involved in mining-related activities, are affected, including those in legal mining, transportation, construction, and food services.
"The Catholic Bishops' Conference does not support any organized labour strikes or strike actions due to the galamsey issue.
"...We advocate for a holistic approach involving all stakeholders, as this is not just a political issue," he said.
He added that "the galamsey problem is multifaceted—it affects the environment, communities, industries, and employment. It involves around four million people, both directly and indirectly, including workers, sellers, buyers, and those in the legal mining sector.
Related activities such as transportation, construction, and food services also tie into the broader mining industry, legal or illegal. To resolve this, we need open dialogue among all stakeholders.
The problem extends beyond politics—while politics plays a role, it should not be seen as a failure of any one government.
This is a collective responsibility, as we all contribute to environmental harm, whether through mining or other destructive actions.
It’s important to clarify that the Catholic Bishops' Conference has not organized any demonstrations.
The event in question is an environmental prayer walk organized by the Accra Archdiocese, and it should not be misconstrued or hijacked as a demonstration by the Catholic Bishops' Conference.
This is not a demonstration. We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to clarify the facts.
Our Secretary General, Father Clement Adjei, has also addressed this on JOY FM and JOY TV, reiterating that the event in Accra is not a Catholic Bishops' Conference initiative. We pray for a peaceful resolution to the galamsey issue. May God bless you all in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
The Archbishop also reiterated that the event in Accra was solely a prayer walk and not a demonstration.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference continues to pray for a peaceful resolution to the galamsey issue and urges all parties to work together toward a sustainable solution.
