The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has undertaken a protest walk against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, following a “Service of Preparation” held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral.

The event taking place today has attracted Catholic worshippers and environmental activists from across the capital.

The prayer walk commenced at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, which served as the meeting point, and proceeded through Castle Road, to the Old Electoral Commission Office at Ridge, and onward to the AU Roundabout. From there, the participants took the third exit onto Independence Avenue, heading toward the Ako Adjel Interchange.

They turned right toward the National Police Headquarters Traffic Light, then left along Josif Broz Tito Avenue, and finally turned left onto Jawaharlal Nehru Road, terminating at Christ the King Catholic Church. The event resulted in temporary traffic holdups in the affected areas within the city.

During the service, Rev. Father Godwin Fiawoyi, SVD, addressed the congregation, seeking divine intervention in the fight against environmental degradation caused by illegal mining. He urged participants to remain resolute in their advocacy for the preservation of Ghana’s natural resources.

Worshippers, environmental activists, and members of the “Crusaders Against Galamsey” group gathered at the Cathedral, holding placards with messages calling for an end to illegal mining activities. Police officers were present to guide the peaceful demonstrators through their designated routes.

Emmanuel Wilson Jnr, chief crusader of the “Crusaders Against Galamsey” group, emphasized that while the president’s directive for the military and the small-scale miners’ association to tackle illegal mining was a temporary solution, a complete halt to all mining activities was necessary to protect Ghana’s environment.

A Reverend Father, who identified himself as an environmentalist but chose to remain anonymous, clarified that the protest was not politically motivated but driven by a desire to protect the environment for all Ghanaians.

The protest walk formed part of ongoing efforts by religious and civil society groups to intensify the fight against galamsey, which has caused significant environmental damage across the country. The participants, now ready with their placards, began their walk immediately after the service.