Galamsey Menace: GRASAG to Join Catholic Bishops in Protest Against Galamsey on October 11

The Graduate Students' Association of Ghana (GRASAG) has announced its intention to join forces with the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference in a nationwide protest against illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, and what they describe as worsening governance in the country. The protest, scheduled for October 11, 2024, is expected to draw significant attention to the environmental degradation caused by galamsey and the perceived lapses in leadership in addressing the issue.

The Catholic Bishops have been vocal in their criticisms of illegal mining, which has devastated large portions of Ghana’s forests, farmlands, and water bodies. They argue that despite various government initiatives to combat galamsey, the issue persists, posing a serious threat to the environment and livelihoods across the country.

GRASAG, representing the voices of Ghana’s graduate students, has expressed concerns about the future of the nation, particularly in the areas of environmental conservation and governance. In a statement, the association highlighted the detrimental effects of galamsey on Ghana’s ecosystems, the health of its citizens, and the nation’s economic prospects. Furthermore, they emphasized that ineffective governance and corruption have allowed illegal mining to thrive.

“Our environment is being destroyed, and the future of our nation is at risk. We cannot sit idly by while this continues,” said a GRASAG spokesperson. “We are joining this protest not just as students, but as citizens who are concerned about the trajectory of governance and the state of our environment.”

The protest is expected to see participants from all walks of life, including students, religious leaders, civil society groups, and environmental advocates. It aims to press the government to take more decisive action in curbing illegal mining and improving transparency and accountability in leadership.

The call for reform comes at a critical time when the environmental and social impacts of galamsey are becoming increasingly evident. Rivers like the Pra and Ankobra, which once provided clean water to communities, have been severely polluted, and large tracts of fertile land have been rendered unusable due to mining activities.



With the backing of GRASAG and other civic organizations, the Catholic Bishops hope that this protest will be a turning point in the fight against illegal mining and poor governance in Ghana. They urge the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and the protection of natural resources for future generations.

As the protest day approaches, all eyes are on the government’s response to the growing public discontent surrounding these pressing issues.