By Ashiadey Dotse
The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, in partnership with the Major Superiors of Religious Congregations, has announced plans for an “Environmental Prayer Walk” against Galamsey to be held on October 11, 2024. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka on October 9, 2024
The event is aimed at raising awareness about the devastating effect of galamsey and advocating for the government to declare a state of emergency to stop all forms of mining activities through prayer, reflecting the Catholic Church’s commitment to both spiritual and social causes. The theme for the walk, “The Environmental Prayer Walk,” emphasizes the power of prayer in driving social and environmental change. The organizers believe that concerted spiritual efforts can lead to tangible improvements in leaders’ decision-making to address the issue.
Speaking at the press conference, the President of National Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, Rev. Father Nicholas Aazine, made it clear that the walk is strictly non-political. Participants were urged to avoid wearing political party shirts, displaying unauthorized placards, or engaging in any form of disruptive behavior. The organizers stressed that only official placards provided by the Church would be allowed during the event, and no abusive language or inappropriate dancing would be tolerated.
Instead, the walk will be a solemn occasion focused on the recitation of the Rosary, an integral part of the Catholic faith. Organizers emphasized that prayer is central to the event, as they believe that through prayer, real change can be achieved in addressing pressing environmental concerns.
“As we embark on this Environmental Prayer Walk, our goal is to unite in prayer for the protection of God’s creation,” said Rev. Father Nicholas Aazine for the Archdiocese. “We are not engaging in any political activity. This is purely about our faith, our environment, and the power of prayer.”
The walk, expected to draw participants from various parishes and religious communities, highlights the Church’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about environmental stewardship, a core component of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si, which calls for urgent action to protect the Earth.
The organizers are calling on all Catholics and members of the public to join in the walk to express solidarity with efforts to address environmental degradation. The event will be both a physical and spiritual exercise, underlining the need for both prayer and action in preserving the environment for future generations.
The Environmental Prayer Walk will commence at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka and proceed from the Psychiatric hospital through selected routes within the city to Christ the King parish, where about ten of the leaders, through the leadership of the police, submit their petition to the president at the jubilee house.
Participants are expected to gather early at 8:00 AM, with the walk starting at 10:00 AM.
