By Enoch Ankomah
The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has presented a petition to President Akufo-Addo after a protest walk against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The protest dubbed the “Environmental Prayer Protest Walk Against Galamsey,” was to put a spotlight on the grave and lasting damage that illegal mining is wreaking on Ghana’s environment. This follows a Service of Preparation held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra.
The event attracted Catholics, environmental activists, and members of the Crusaders Against Galamsey group holding placards with messages calling for an end to illegal mining activities.
The prayer walk against galamsey saw a massive turnout by various Catholic branches, religious bodies, other organizations like Crusaders Against Corruption, Green Faith Ghana and some Ghanaians.
The walk began from the premises of Holy Spirit Cathedral at Adabraka with prayers and religious songs. They took the liberation road straight to the front of the Ghana Police Headquarters and headed to the Jubilee House.
The Police presence was heavy and it ensured a peaceful walk.
The protestors held placards some of which read “our home is on fire, choose eco not ego, there is no planet B, and PROTECT OUR FUTURE.
The walk ended at the forecourt of Christ the King where the petition was presented by the Most Rev. Narh Asare, head of the Archdiocese of Accra to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Adumua-Bossman.
Receiving the petition, Mr. Adumua-Bossman commended the Catholic Archdiocese for the peaceful manner of their protests and called on other groups to emulate them.
He assured the protestors of President Akufo Addo’s readiness to address their concerns when he returns from international duties.
