The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has suggested to the government to place a moratorium on granting new concessions and issuing of licences for mining in the country.
The call by the GCBC relates to the destruction being caused by illegal mining, especially to water bodies in some parts of the country.
This is contained in a communique issued by the bishops on Friday (11 November) at the end of their annual plenary session held in Donkorkrom in the Eastern Region.
“Our attention has been drawn to plans to start mining next year in parts of the Volta and Oti Regions. Considering the devastation of the environment at mining areas, particular places where illegal mining has been rampant and careless, we strongly propose that a moratorium be placed on granting new concessions and issuing of licences for mining.
“In the case where any actions have already been taken, we propose that operationalisation of the agreement be placed on hold until a clear pathway is developed to ensure modern and environmentally friendly mining,” the communique said.
The GCBC further wants the government to arrest and prosecute financiers of galamsey to serve as a deterrent to others.
Below is an excerpt of the communique:
Fred Dzakpata
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