Ghana Evangelical Missions Association: Galamsey Advocacy Calls for Stronger Action

• The Ghana Evangelical Missions Association (GEMA) urged the government to intensify efforts against illegal mining, known as galamsey.
• GEMA warned that galamsey poses a significant threat to Ghana’s environment and public health.
• GEMA President Dr. Kofi Aligya called on Christian leaders to preach against galamsey from their pulpits and mobilize congregations.
• Dr. Aligya emphasized that the Church must move beyond mere concern and take a more active role in addressing the problem.
• These calls were made during an interview at the Lausanne Workplace Forum in Gomoa Fetteh, which took place from August 6-9, 2026.

The Ghana Evangelical Missions Association (GEMA) has issued a strong appeal to the Ghanaian government, urging a significant escalation of efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The Ghana Evangelical Missions Association (GEMA) has issued a strong appeal to the Ghanaian government, urging a significant escalation of efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. The association underscored the severe dangers this practice poses to both Ghana’s environment and the well-being of its population, emphasizing the urgent need for robust intervention. Concurrently, GEMA called upon Christian leaders across the nation to leverage their platforms, specifically their pulpits, to speak out more forcefully against galamsey and to rally their congregations in support of initiatives aimed at preserving the country's natural resources and safeguarding human lives from its destructive effects.

Dr. Kofi Aligya, who serves as the President of GEMA, articulated the necessity for the Church to transcend mere expressions of concern regarding illegal mining. He advocated for a more proactive and engaged role in addressing the pervasive issue of galamsey in Ghana, asserting that passive worry is insufficient given the scale of the problem. Dr. Aligya highlighted the considerable influence that Christian leaders wield within their communities, suggesting that their active participation could effectively mold public attitudes and motivate communities to reject activities that inflict irreparable damage upon the environment. This Ghana Evangelical Missions Association galamsey advocacy aims to shift societal norms.

These significant pronouncements were made by Dr. Aligya during an interview with Citi FM, conducted during the Lausanne Workplace Forum. This international gathering, held in Gomoa Fetteh from August 6-9, 2026, convened Christian leaders representing diverse denominations and regions globally, with a central focus on encouraging believers to exemplify their faith through their professional conduct and daily work. The forum's setting provided a powerful backdrop for GEMA's call for increased environmental protection Ghana.

GEMA's urgent call for action is rooted in the profound and detrimental impact of illegal mining on Ghana. The association explicitly warned that the unchecked proliferation of galamsey activities presents a grave threat to the nation's ecological balance, including its water bodies and land, and severely compromises the health of its citizens. Dr. Kofi Aligya vividly described galamsey as a "social menace" that is "shutting the kidneys of many people," underscoring the severe and often fatal health consequences directly linked to the practice of illegal mining Ghana.

Dr. Aligya reiterated that while many denominational heads have openly voiced their apprehension about this issue, a deeper commitment is required from religious institutions. He stressed that simply being concerned or worried is insufficient, advocating instead for direct, sermon-based engagement from religious leaders to educate and mobilize their followers. His appeal to the government was unequivocal: "Do whatever is possible to win the fight against galamsey to save the environment and humans," reflecting the critical need for robust intervention to protect both the natural world and human life from the ravages of illegal mining in Ghana. This highlights the urgency of the environmental protection Ghana needs.

The Ghana Evangelical Missions Association's galamsey advocacy signals a significant push for religious institutions to become frontline advocates for environmental protection in Ghana. Dr. Aligya's insistence that the Church must move beyond passive concern to active engagement underscores a belief in the transformative power of faith-based leadership to address critical national issues. By mobilizing congregations and shaping public opinion, Christian leaders are seen as crucial in fostering a collective rejection of environmentally destructive practices and promoting sustainable stewardship.

This perspective was echoed by Jerry White, a board member of the Lausanne Workplace Forum, who affirmed the responsibility of Christians to uphold strong values in all aspects of their lives. White emphasized that believers should utilize their influence to effect positive change, not only within their professional spheres but also across wider society, contributing to the common good. This collective call to action from GEMA and the forum highlights a growing recognition within religious circles of their vital role in addressing pressing societal challenges like illegal mining and promoting broader environmental protection Ghana. The involvement of Dr Kofi Aligya galamsey discussions brings significant moral weight to the issue.

Lawyers advising mining, environmental, or corporate social responsibility clients in Ghana should monitor for potential intensified government enforcement or new regulatory measures against illegal mining, driven by this growing public and religious advocacy. This signals increased societal pressure that could influence policy and compliance expectations.

Source: Original reporting via myjoyonline.com