The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has pushed back against attempts to silence religious leaders on national issues, insisting the church has a duty to speak out on moral concerns such as illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
In a strongly worded statement, the Conference—led by its president Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi—said recent comments directed at Eric Nyamekye risk undermining the role of faith leaders in shaping public conscience.
The backlash follows remarks attributed to Mary Awusi suggesting the Pentecost chairman could be treated as a politician if he continues to speak on issues like illegal mining.
The bishops argue that speaking on such matters is not political activism but a moral obligation.
“When issues arise that threaten human dignity, the integrity of creation, or the common good … the Church has both the right and the duty to speak,” the statement said, framing environmental degradation and its social costs as concerns that transcend partisan lines.
Galamsey has become one of Ghana’s most contentious issues, blamed for the destruction of water bodies and farmlands, while drawing sharp reactions from civil society, traditional leaders and religious groups.
The bishops warned that equating moral advocacy with political partisanship could shrink space for ethical debate in a democratic society.
While acknowledging reports that the initial remarks had been withdrawn with an apology, the Conference called for greater respect in public discourse and urged political actors to remain open to what it described as the “moral voice” of the church.
The statement also appealed for calm among Christians, praising what it described as measured responses from the community, and urged both clergy and public officials to prioritise dialogue over division as Ghana navigates the tensions between governance, environmental protection and freedom of expression.
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