The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra John Bonaventure Kwofie has called on government to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate real commitment in tackling illegal mining widely known as “galamsey”.
Delivering a homily at the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Accra on Sunday (4 May), Archbishop Kwofie described illegal mining as “an evil we must not tolerate,” calling on political leaders – particularly – President John Mahama, to back words with visible action.
“Nothing is too late for the President to say ‘enough is enough.’ Galamsey is a complex war, yes, but the complexity cannot be whisked away. We must fight it. We must be seen fighting against galamsey,” the Archbishop declared.
May Day speech
His sermon came just days after President Mahama addressed thousands of workers at Black Star Square during the 2025 May Day celebrations, where he reiterated his administration’s resolve to confront the illegal mining menace head-on.
President Mahama, who recently assumed office following the December 2024 general election, assured Ghanaians that the security services remain “up to the task” and are well-equipped to dismantle illegal mining operations across the country.
However, Archbishop Kwofie questioned whether these assurances would translate into real progress.
“In your May Day address, you told us that our gallant men of the armed forces and security services are up to the task,” he said, directly referencing the President.
“Is that a make-believe talk, or will you take it seriously? We don’t want this talk, we want action.”
120-day timeline
He further recalled that President Mahama, during the election campaign, set a 120-day timeline to tackle illegal mining—a promise yet to be fully realised.
Using the liberation slogan “Aluta Continua”, meaning “the struggle continues”, as used by President Mahama during his speech, Archbishop Kwofie asked a series of probing questions:
“Are we fighting to regain our forest zones and river bodies? Aluta Continua.
But are we fighting the companies and big individuals who are making excessive money on our backs? Aluta Continua.”
He reminded the congregation of the moral and spiritual dimensions of environmental justice, echoing the late Pope’s condemnation of environmental degradation.
“We are poisoning our waters, and we are losing our forests,” he said.
“Let us see our gallant men and women of the armed forces [take action]. The security service has not given up on the fight.”
The Archbishop’s message adds to growing pressure on the Mahama administration to demonstrate progress in curbing illegal mining, which has been blamed for deforestation, polluted rivers, and widespread health and livelihood concerns in mining communities.
As the global Catholic Church prepares to elect a new Pope this week, he called on the faithful to pray not only for new spiritual leadership but also for earthly leaders to show courage and conviction in protecting creation.
