Convener for the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has renewed calls for a nationwide prayer walk by the Catholic Church to rally citizens against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
His appeal comes a year after a similar event drew thousands of participants across the country.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Ashigbey urged the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference to once again mobilise its 20 dioceses for a coordinated march in October, describing the exercise as both a spiritual and civic duty.
“Last year’s prayer walk brought together people from all political divides. It is time again to hit the streets in prayer and call on God to intervene. We must do what we can as a people and show that sovereignty lies with us,” he said.
He noted that if this year’s event goes ahead, it will again be accompanied by petitions to President John Mahama and regional ministers, demanding stronger action against galamsey.
Dr. Ashigbey further appealed to other faith leaders, including the National Chief Imam, the Christian Council, and the Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, to join forces for a united national front.
“Over 20 million people don’t have water to drink. Almost a million peasant farmers have lost their farms in the Ashanti Region. This is no longer a partisan issue; we must stand together and support the President in the fight,” he stressed.
Last year’s prayer walk, spearheaded by the Catholic Church, drew large crowds in several regions and featured prayer sessions, scripture readings, and placards demanding action on illegal mining.
Dr. Ashigbey believes a renewed march this October would send a strong signal that citizens remain resolute and will not relent until the menace is stopped.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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