Ghana Catholic Bishops urge ecological stewardship, peaceful elections in pre-Jubilee Year message

In a comprehensive communiqué released at the end of their annual Plenary Assembly, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has sounded a clarion call for ecological citizenship, urging collective action from all stakeholders to address the pressing environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities in the country. The Bishops’ assembly, held from November 8 to 16, 2024, at the Pope John Paul II Formation and Training Centre in Obuasi, was inspired by the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025 theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” and focused on proclaiming Christ as the hope for the Church and Ghana.

Addressing the thorny issue of environmental degradation, the Catholic Bishops issued a stern call for decisive action, urging the government, politicians, regulatory bodies, traditional leaders, and local communities to play their respective roles in protecting Ghana’s natural heritage. They emphasized that a healthy environment is essential for the well-being of the nation and its people, and thereby demanded greater vigilance and honesty from all stakeholders in addressing the devastating impact of illegal mining, known as “galamsey.”

“We call on the government to enforce laws against illegal mining with utmost strictness and without fear or favour,” the communiqué stated. “We also urge all politicians to prioritize environmental protection as a core agenda, recognizing that a healthy environment is essential for the well-being of our nation and its people.”

The GCBC did not spare regulatory bodies, demanding greater vigilance and honesty in the discharge of their duties and operations. They also implored traditional leaders, such as chiefs and queens, to safeguard their territories and act as custodians of the environment. Extending their appeal to local communities, the Bishops urged them to embrace their roles as stewards of creation and actively protect their immediate surroundings.

Moreover, the Bishops exhorted all Catholic clergy and faithful to reject donations from dubious sources and resist involvement in illegal activities that harm the environment. In a show of solidarity, they called on other religious leaders, especially Christians and Muslims, to uphold the dictates of their respective scriptures, which enjoin them to care for God’s creation.

“We must all reawaken to the truth that Ghana is the only earthly home we have as a people,” the communiqué emphasized, underscoring the urgency of collective action to preserve the country’s natural heritage.

Turning their attention to the upcoming general elections in 2024, the GCBC stressed the importance of a peaceful, fair, and credible electoral process. They urged political parties and citizens to refrain from hate speech and uphold democratic values, reiterating their commitment to fostering national peace.

“We call on all stakeholders to ensure that the 2024 general elections are conducted in a peaceful, fair, and credible manner,” the communiqué stated. “Political parties and citizens must avoid hate speech and embrace democratic principles that promote unity and progress.”

The Bishops also addressed the strained relationship among the various arms of government, calling for institutional forbearance and mutual respect. They urged all parties to exercise restraint and work towards resolving their differences through dialogue and adherence to constitutional provisions.

“We appeal for institutional forbearance among the arms of government,” the communiqué read. “Mutual respect and adherence to constitutional principles are essential for maintaining the delicate balance of power and ensuring good governance.”

The protracted conflict in Bawku, a longstanding concern, received particular attention from the Catholic Bishops. They appealed for dialogue, reconciliation, and an end to political interference in finding lasting peace in the region, while also calling for immediate action to address the plight of those affected by the conflict.

“The situation in Bawku remains a major concern for us,” the communiqué stated. “We urge all parties involved to engage in genuine dialogue and reconciliation efforts, free from political interference, to bring an end to this conflict.”

On the contentious issue of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, the Bishops reaffirmed their support for the legislation, urging the President to assent to the Bill promptly. They emphasized the importance of preserving traditional family values while avoiding discrimination.

“We reiterate our support for the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill,” the communiqué read. “We urge the President to assent to the Bill promptly, as it is essential for preserving our traditional family values while ensuring that no one is subjected to discrimination.”

As the Jubilee Year approaches, the Bishops encouraged reflection, renewal, and a reaffirmation of faith in Christ. They called on Ghanaians to rely on the grace and truth of Christ to overcome national challenges and build a future of unity, justice, and prosperity.

“During this Jubilee Year, we urge all Ghanaians to reflect on their relationship with Christ and renew their commitment to living according to His teachings,” the communiqué stated. “It is through our faith in Christ that we can overcome the challenges facing our nation and build a future of unity, justice, and prosperity for all.”

The communiqué concluded with a call to look to Christ as the eternal hope of the Church and nation, invoking blessings for all and urging faith and commitment to shared values.

“Let us look to Christ as our eternal hope, for He is the way, the truth, and the life,” the communiqué affirmed. “May His love, peace, and blessings be upon us all as we strive to build a nation that reflects the values of justice, unity, and prosperity for all.”

The Plenary Assembly, graced by key dignitaries including the news Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, government officials, and political leaders, also included visits to parishes and the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in the Obuasi Diocese, underscoring the Bishops’ engagement with local communities.

As Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections and grapples with environmental challenges and societal issues, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has emerged as a powerful voice, calling for collective action, responsible leadership, and a renewed commitment to faith and shared values. Their comprehensive communiqué serves as a roadmap for addressing the nation’s pressing concerns and charting a course towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future.

By Innocent Samuel Appiah