The Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) has expressed its profound outrage over the government’s inaction on the illegal mining crisis.
CYNESA decried the government’s tolerance of the galamsey menace, which has been permitted to continue unchecked, unleashing catastrophic environmental devastation.
CYNESA emphasized that the galamsey crisis, unequivocally denounced by Pope Francis in Laudato Si, is having a catastrophic impact on both ecosystems and vulnerable populations, causing irreparable harm to the environment and exacerbating social inequalities.
The Youth Network indicated that this environmental and social disaster is not only destroying the natural world but also exploiting vulnerable populations with unbridled impunity.
“We urgently call on Catholic Members of Parliament to speak out and take decisive action now. The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference must mobilize Catholics across the nation, together with well-meaning Ghanaians, to demand immediate and concrete steps to end galamsey through peaceful protests”.
Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa
As such, CYNESA urged the Knights and Ladies of Marshall and St. John International, together with the Ladies Auxiliary, to assume their rightful role as defenders of justice and faith.
The Youth Network indicated that they must now speak truth to power and act with courage and conviction to combat this national crisis, staying true to their principles and serving the greater good.
CYNESA vehemently denounces the shameful silence of Ghana’s political, religious, and traditional leaders, who have remained conspicuously mute in the face of the devastating galamsey crisis, despite its catastrophic consequences for the nation.
CYNESA asserted that the inaction of these leaders constitutes a blatant dereliction of duty, while their silence serves as a damning indictment of their disconnect from the very people they are sworn to protect and serve.
“Every day, our young people suffer as a result of the neglect and failure of those in power”. – CYNESA
As such, the Youth Network urged all people of faith to unequivocally denounce these egregious violations, leveraging their collective voice to demand justice and accountability.
CYNESA noted that people of faith must utilize every available platform – social media, pulpits, and community gatherings – to call for immediate action and prompt meaningful change.
Urgent Action Needed On Galamsey Menace
The Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) urgently called on the government, civil society, and international organizations to recognize the severity of the illegal mining crisis and respond with corresponding urgency.
CYNESA indicated that it is imperative that these stakeholders treat this crisis with the gravity it deserves, prioritizing swift action and collective efforts to mitigate its devastating impacts.
The Youth Network emphasized the need for stakeholders to strengthen environmental regulations and rigorously enforce existing laws to prevent further ecological degradation.
Additionally, CYNESA further stressed that stakeholder must hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, imposing severe penalties that reflect the gravity of their offenses and serve as a deterrent to others.
“Moreover, it provides genuine economic alternatives for communities that have become dependent on illegal mining activities for survival”.
Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa
CYNESA reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to championing a future that is both just and sustainable, where environmental stewardship and social equity go hand in hand.
The Youth Network issued a rallying cry to all concerned citizens, inviting them to join forces in a collective quest to safeguard the environment, champion human dignity, and secure a prosperous future for generations yet to come.
“As Pope Francis reminds us, ‘The environment is God’s gift to everyone; we must respect the rights of others in its use’”. – CYNESA
CYNESA issued a clarion call to the public, urging them to rise up and confront the scourge of illegal mining, standing united in solidarity to protect and preserve their shared heritage and the integrity of their common home.
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