The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called for a massive afforestation and reclamation programme as part of a long-term solution to the devastation caused by illegal mining also known as galamsey.
In their latest statement on galamsey, the bishops said Ghana’s forests and farmlands, stripped bare by unregulated mining, must be restored if the nation is to avoid ecological collapse.
They stressed that a national tree-planting initiative could serve a dual purpose — healing the environment while creating jobs for thousands of young people.
“Justice must be tempered with mercy,” the bishops said. “Those driven to galamsey by desperation must be offered sustainable alternatives.
A nationwide afforestation and reclamation programme should be launched, not only to heal the scars of destruction but also to provide dignified employment, especially for the youth.”
The Conference further urged government to ensure that such efforts are sustained and corruption-free, warning that half-measures would not reverse the damage already done.
