Rev. Father Raymond Robert Osei Tutu, a canon lawyer and priest at Ss. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Teshie, has strongly opposed the argument that illegal mining (galamsey) provides youth with livelihoods and should not be banned. In an interview with The High Street Journal, Father Osei-Tutu equated this defense to asking what armed robbers would do for survival if they stopped robbing, asserting, “It’s illegal, and not every money is good money.”
He emphasized the moral and legal responsibilities tied to sustainable livelihoods, warning that the short-term financial gains of illegal mining come at the expense of long-term environmental destruction. The impact of galamsey is visible across many parts of Ghana, where rivers and farmlands have been devastated by harmful chemicals used in the mining process. Toxic substances like mercury and cyanide, used to extract gold, have contaminated water bodies, making them unsafe for drinking and agriculture. Communities now face health risks and shrinking agricultural productivity as a result.
Moreover, the illegal mining practices have led to widespread soil degradation, rendering once-fertile lands barren and unsuitable for farming. This not only threatens food security but also destroys the livelihoods of farmers who depend on these lands. The Catholic Church, recognizing the gravity of the issue, organized a prayer walk on Thursday to raise awareness about the urgent need for action to stop galamsey and protect future generations.
Through such initiatives, the Church is calling on both the government and society to address the issue comprehensively, tackling the legal, environmental, and economic aspects. Father Osei-Tutu urged that sustainable and viable economic alternatives must be offered to those engaged in illegal mining. He emphasized that the conversation must shift toward protecting the country’s natural resources while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
