We Won’t Shut Up On Galamsey …Catholic Bishops Open Fire

Ghana’s Catholic Bishops have issued an uncompromising defence of the Church’s prophetic voice, declaring that no amount of political labelling will silence religious leaders from speaking out against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

In a strongly worded statement released yesterday, Tuesday April 28, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, directly pushed back against recent remarks by Dr Mary Awusi, Chief Executive of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, who warned that church leaders who address the galamsey crisis should “be ready to be treated as politicians.”

The bishops’ intervention signals a united front among Christian denominations on one of the Ghana’s most devastating environmental emergencies, galamsey.

‘A moral responsibility, not partisan politics’

Dr Awusi’s original warning, which she has since apologised for, was triggered by comments from Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. During his church’s General Council Meeting, Apostle Nyamekye revealed that galamsey had so polluted rivers that traditional water baptisms had become difficult in some communities.

Dr Awusi reportedly cautioned that such statements from religious leaders could be interpreted as political, drawing swift and widespread backlash.

But the Catholic Bishops’ Conference rejected that framing outright in yesterday’s statement.

“The Church, by her nature and divine mandate, cannot remain silent in the face of moral and social concerns,” the statement reads. “When issues arise that threaten human dignity, the integrity of creation, or the common good — such as the grave harm caused by illegal mining — the Church has both the right and the duty to speak. This is not partisan politics; it is a moral responsibility rooted in the Gospel.”

Quoting Matthew 5:13-14, the bishops described the Church as “the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth,” suggesting that attempting to silence that voice would leave national discourse impoverished and ethically unmoored.

A delicate balance, not silence

The statement acknowledged the legitimate distinction between religious and political roles in a democracy. The bishops made clear they are not seeking political power.

“The Church does not seek power but strives to illuminate public life with truth,” the statement said. “When she speaks on justice, peace, and care for creation, she does so as a moral guide concerned for all.”

But the bishops warned that equating moral witness with political partisanship poses a danger to democratic health.

“Statements that equate moral witness with political partisanship risk narrowing the space for ethical reflection,” they wrote. “We do not expect such expressions from those entrusted with public responsibility; rather, we encourage respectful and constructive dialogue.”

Apology acknowledged, concern remains

While noting that Dr Awusi has since apologised for her remarks, the bishops made clear that the underlying sentiment remains problematic. They suggested that such comments do not foster the mutual respect necessary for healthy public discourse, therefore similar warnings should not be repeated.

The statement also offered measured praise for the Christian community’s response, noting “the calm and respectful support offered by members of the Christian community” and describing such responses as reflecting “solidarity and restraint.”

Galamsey crisis

Galamsey continues to devastate vast stretches of Ghana’s landscape, poisoning water bodies, stripping forest cover, and now, according to Apostle Nyamekye, even interfering with religious practice. The phenomenon has become one of the most politically charged environmental issues of the decade, with successive governments struggling to curb its reach.

Apostle Nyamekye’s outspoken stance has put him at odds not only with illegal operators but also, at times, with political figures reluctant to confront the issue head-on. His willingness to speak from the pulpit has earned him praise from environmental advocates but also drew the warning that sparked this week’s Catholic intervention.

The bishops’ statement effectively endorses Nyamekye’s approach, suggesting that the crisis is too grave for silence and that the Church of Pentecost chairman was entirely within his rights and duties to raise the alarm.

A call for unity across denominations and government

The statement concluded with an appeal to all Ghanaians to avoid division and promote dialogue, with specific entreaties directed at both public officials and religious leaders.

“To public officials, we appeal for openness to the moral voice of the Church and all people of goodwill. To clergy and lay leaders, we encourage fidelity in proclaiming the truth with prudence and love.”

Most Rev. Gyamfi, who signed the statement as Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, entrusted the nation to “Almighty God” with a prayer for unity and peace.

The bishops praised the Christian community for its calm and respectful response to the controversy, describing it as a sign of responsible leadership. They urged the clergy and lay leaders to remain committed to truth and moral clarity, and urged political actors to remain open to the contributions of faith-based institutions in national development.