Archbishop Bonaventure Kwofie, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, has expressed the Catholic Church’s opposition to the strike action organised by Organised Labour in response to illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
He emphasised that addressing the galamsey crisis requires a comprehensive, non-partisan approach to ensure long-term solutions.
During a media interview, Archbishop Kwofie called for more constructive ways to address the concerns of workers, warning that strike actions often cause unintended harm, especially to the most vulnerable members of society.
He stressed that strikes, while possibly raising important issues, might undermine the broader efforts to solve the galamsey problem.
The Archbishop further revealed that the environmental prayer walk against illegal mining, organised by the Accra Archdiocese, has been co-opted by certain political elements.
He expressed concern that this political interference could derail the true purpose of the event, urging that the walk should remain focused on its environmental and spiritual goals.
Archbishop Kwofie acknowledged that while the grievances of Organised Labour may be valid, a more unified and open dialogue is needed to manage both the labour concerns and the galamsey crisis.
He also pointed out that illegal mining employs over four million people, highlighting the need for careful management of the issue to avoid negatively impacting the nation’s economy and livelihoods.
“The Accra Archdiocese is the one that organizing this environmental prayer walk against galamsey is being hijacked by some political elements making it Catholic Bishop Conference action and we don’t support either the organised labour’s strike.”
“The galamsey issue not a political issue but it is environmental, social, community, industrial and it is work situation and has ramifications. About four million people are involved in galamsey whether directly or indirectly,” he stated.