On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra organized a significant prayer walk to raise awareness about the alarming rate of illegal mining, known as galamsey, and its detrimental impact on Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
The event commenced at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka and concluded at the Christ the King Catholic Archdiocese, where participants presented a petition to Adumua Bossman, the Deputy Chief of Staff.
The peaceful walk was marked by the participants reciting prayers and singing hymns while holding their rosaries, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
The atmosphere was one of unity and determination, as community members urged the government to take urgent action to combat the environmental crisis caused by galamsey activities.
Security was notably tight throughout the event, ensuring the safety of the participants as they made their way through the city.
National President for Peace Justice and Creation of the Catholic church of Ghana, Father Nicolas Azzineh spoke to Onua News about the pressing concerns over galamsey.
He stated, “We cannot sit idle while our forests and water bodies are being destroyed. It is our duty to advocate for the protection of our environment.”
He further emphasized the need for unity, saying, “this is not just a fight for our generation, but for future generations. We must come together to ensure a sustainable future for Ghana.”
His words echoed the sentiments of those who participated in the prayer walk, reinforcing the call for immediate government action to address the crisis.
The Archdiocese emphasized the importance of preserving Ghana’s natural resources and called on President Akufo-Addo and his administration to prioritize the protection of the environment in their policies.
The prayer walk not only highlighted the urgent need for action but also showcased the power of faith and community in advocating for change.
By Vanessa Eshun
