The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has called on the government to deploy the entire security apparatus to put an end to illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey," across the country.

The ecumenical body emphasized that the security operation should be well-coordinated and preceded by a massive educational campaign involving all stakeholders in areas affected by illegal mining.

This security intervention is one of seven measures proposed by the GPCC to tackle the galamsey menace, which continues to destroy water bodies and devastate the environment, with severe health implications for citizens.

A resolution signed by GPCC Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and shared with Classfmonline.com also urged Parliament to undertake a comprehensive review of the country's mining laws.

The GPCC called for the repeal of ambiguous laws and the introduction of more stringent regulations to address the gaps in the current legal framework governing mining in Ghana.

“For example, the provisions on the purchase of mercury under Section 96 of Act 703 are so porous that they allow the environmentally harmful substance to be channelled into the hands of illegal miners,” the resolution stated.

Additionally, the GPCC proposed that with a freeze on all forms of small-scale mining, all river bodies destroyed by galamsey and degraded environments should be declared security zones and restored under a comprehensive reclamation programme.

The council called for an end to the politicization of the galamsey issue, stressing that the dangers associated with illegal mining affect all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation.

The GPCC also urged the government to revamp the various regulatory agencies overseeing mining to make them more effective.

It criticized the current state of these bodies, which, despite numerous laws governing small-scale and other mining activities, seem to have enabled illegal operations to flourish.

Furthermore, the council encouraged the government to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for the youth and others affected by galamsey due to poverty and deprivation.

The GPCC commended traditional rulers and opinion leaders who have taken a stand against illegal mining in their communities, praising their efforts to curb its spread.

The council also pledged that its member churches would continue to educate their congregations about the dangers of galamsey and its hazardous effects on livelihoods, health, and the environment.

“The GPCC expects the government to act decisively and swiftly to tackle this growing threat, which could become a time bomb for our nation," the resolution added.

The GPCC joined other civil society, faith-based organizations, and labour unions in condemning the poor management of Ghana's biodiversity, especially in mineral-rich regions, and the weak enforcement of laws that could have prevented illegal mining activities.

Highlighting the severe health impact of galamsey, the GPCC noted that the practice has led to increased reports of typhoid, renal diseases, cancers, and babies born with deformities in affected communities. The council emphasized that almost all health-sector labour groups have urgently called for an immediate ban on small-scale and illegal mining activities.

“The biodiversity on which our lives depend is being destroyed at an alarming rate, with serious implications for both present and future generations," the GPCC warned.