Catholics walk and pray against galamsey

By Peter Martey AGBEKO( APR)

In a powerful demonstration of faith and environmental responsibility, Catholics in Ghana took to the streets today in an Environmental Prayer Walk organised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra in collaboration with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious (CMSR-GH).

The walk, which drew a large and diverse crowd, was part of a nationwide call to end illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has wreaked havoc on the country’s environment.

The event was well-organised and heavily patronised, with bishops, priests, and laypeople from both Catholic and non-Catholic communities joining hands in this peaceful protest. The walk commenced at 11:00 am from the Holy Spirit Cathedral and concluded at 1:25 pm at Christ the King Catholic Church.

Despite the size of the crowd, the entire event was orderly, and no negative incidents were recorded. The police presence was relatively light and relaxed, as the participants maintained discipline throughout the walk.

To ensure the comfort and safety of the participants, the organisers provided ample water supplies along the route, keeping everyone hydrated. Volunteers followed the procession, collecting empty bottles and other waste in black bags to ensure that the streets remained clean—a fitting testament to the environmental theme of the walk.

The event concluded with a solemn Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church, celebrated by Bishop Anthony Narh Asare, the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra. The Mass, which began at 2:00 pm, served as a spiritual anchor for the day’s activities, uniting the faithful in prayer for the protection of Ghana’s natural resources.

The highlight of the day came from Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, who delivered a rousing closing message. His speech was a direct and heartfelt appeal to Catholics and non-Catholics alike who may be involved in galamsey.

“Arise Catholic Faithful, Rejoice and Renew,” he exhorted, urging those in the illegal mining sector to lay down their tools and join the national effort to protect the environment.

Archbishop Kwofie also extended his appeal to people of other faiths, political parties, and ethnic groups, calling on all Ghanaians to come together and end the destructive practice of illegal mining.

As part of the day’s activities, a delegation presented a petition to the government at Jubilee House, underscoring the seriousness of the Church’s commitment to halting galamsey. The petition called for swift and decisive action to preserve Ghana’s natural beauty and protect the livelihoods of future generations.

The Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) and the event organising committee deserve commendation for putting together an excellent program. The CYNESA representative also expressed gratitude to the event sponsors and all those who contributed in various ways to its success.

The Environmental Prayer Walk served not only as a call to action but also as a reminder of the critical role faith communities can play in addressing environmental crises. By combining prayer with tangible action, the Catholic Church in Ghana has taken a significant step toward raising awareness and encouraging a national conversation on the urgent need to end illegal mining.

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