Illegal mining (galamsey) is increasingly being accepted as a source of employment for the youth, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has observed.

The conference also bemoaned the alleged involvement of some politicians, members of parliament (MPs), municipal and district chief executives (MCEs) and traditional leaders in illegal mining, despite their mandate to help combat the practice.

Most Rev Matthew Gyamfi, President of the GCBC, made the remarks addressing Parliament’s Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs.

He called for decisive action to end illegal mining, describing it as irresponsible stewardship of the earth. He warned that the environmental and social costs of galamsey far outweighed any perceived economic benefits. He further expressed concern that illegal mining appeared to be taking on a more organised form as a means of providing employment.

“Illegal mining is still ongoing, unfortunately, sadly, dangerously. Youth unemployment, environmental degradation, we call for responsible and decisive action. We are destroying God’s creation,” he said.

“Now it appears that it is even formalised as a way of giving employment to people. But if we do the cost-benefit analysis, we see we are on the losing side greatly.”

Most Rev Gyamfi said the conference had received a letter from an MP who was reportedly in a dispute with an MCE over illegal mining. He said the development reflected some of the difficulties confronting efforts to tackle galamsey.

“There are clear evidences that some chiefs, some politicians, some MPs, some MCEs engage in this,” he said.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference therefore urged authorities and stakeholders to take responsible and decisive action to address illegal mining and its impact on the environment and communities.