The Catholic Church has decided that it will not accept donations obtained from illegal mining, also known as galamsey in Ghana.
The decision is part of a broader set of punishments addressing church members’ involvement in unlawful mining activities.
Speaking at the Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi emphasized the Church’s uncompromising stance on the subject.
He stated that the Church is willing to apply harsher penalties, including denying Holy Communion to members who continue to engage in unlawful mining activities.
“We will not accept any donations resulting from illegal mining.” The punishments will be strengthened even more, to the point where if you openly indulge in galamsey after receiving a series of warnings and persevere in that risky practice, we may refuse you Holy Communion,” he said.
Most Rev Gyamfi emphasized that the Church would provide warnings before implementing such sanctions, but that any proceeds from unlawful mining would be rejected altogether.
“We do not believe that the Lord will accept such a gift, and we will decline it immediately. “You will be warned, and if you continue, you will face additional sanctions,” he stated.
Most Rev Gyamfi also encouraged the public to have an active role in opposing unlawful mining and conserving natural resources.
We’ll reject donations from proceeds of galamsey – Catholic Church to members
He asked local residents to stop illicit miners from damaging their land and polluting their waterways.
“People should take action to defend their land and not allow someone else to come and harm their water.
“Is the government contaminating the water? Even several of us from the local communities are participating in this gala. Then we say that the government should intervene and save us from ourselves. “No,” he added.