Catholic Church to lead prayer protest against galamsey Oct. 11

The Catholic Church in the Accra Archdiocese, in partnership with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious in Ghana, will lead a significant prayer protest next week.

This initiative aims to unite Ghanaians from all backgrounds in prayer and action to combat the devastation caused by illegal mining, known as galamsey.

Scheduled for Friday, 11 October 2024, the protest is expected to gather support from over 50 organizations that have expressed concerns about galamsey. It will feature a combination of prayer and public demonstrations.

In a statement, the organizers highlighted the spiritual aspect of the struggle against illegal mining, encouraging citizens to “call on God to intervene in this fight against galamsey.” They also emphasized the necessity of human efforts to address the environmental destruction linked to galamsey.

“While we must actively push the government to take action against galamsey, we should not underestimate the power of prayer,” the statement read.

Participants will march through the streets, holding placards to voice their concerns about the ongoing crisis.

The event will conclude with the delivery of petitions to prominent national leaders, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

The protest will culminate in a solemn Episcopal Mass, with His Grace, the Archbishop of Accra, serving as the main celebrant.

Organizers are urging all Ghanaians to join the movement to “pray and petition for the immediate cessation of galamsey.”