Former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Rev. Professor Paul Frimpong-Manso, has issued a strong critique of the Ghanaian government’s response to illegal mining (galamsey), challenging officials to take firmer action against those involved.
In an interview on JoyNews’ Upfront on Thursday, September 5, Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso expressed deep frustration with the authorities for failing to curb galamsey, which continues to destroy the country’s water bodies and environment.
Referencing recent actions by traditional rulers, he questioned the government’s apparent inaction. “If Otumfuo could recently sack three chiefs, if two journalists can go and arrest some people and bring them to justice, if a king in the Eastern Region can just order bulldozers to be burned, what about those who control the police, the Mining Commission, the Minister, the District Chief Executives (DCEs), and the rest?” he asked.
The reverend highlighted the proactive steps taken by Ghanaian chiefs in addressing the involvement of local leaders in illegal mining. Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II recently dismissed three chiefs for their roles in galamsey, while a king in the Eastern Region ordered the destruction of mining equipment to combat illegal activities.
Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso used these examples to challenge government institutions, questioning why traditional rulers are leading the charge while those in positions of formal power seem to lag behind.
Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso warned that the country faces an existential threat if immediate measures are not taken to combat illegal mining.
“We are sitting on a time bomb. It is a disaster. We are committing a national genocide, not only against ourselves but against generations yet unborn,” he cautioned.
He also criticized both major political parties—the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—for failing to include effective strategies against galamsey in their manifestos. He emphasized that the issue should be a national priority, as the destruction caused by illegal mining is irreversible and could affect the nation’s future.
Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso called the current situation a “complete institutional failure,” arguing that the problem cannot be solved with mere rhetoric. Instead, he demanded decisive action from key figures in law enforcement, the Mining Commission, and other relevant authorities.
In addition to his critique of the government, the former council president issued a challenge to his fellow church leaders.
“As for the Church leaders, please, we are the conscience of the nation. We must either keep quiet and sink together with the populace… So, to my fellow church leaders, we must preach the truth. People may hate us, fight us, or not understand us, but that is what Desmond Tutu and others did to liberate South Africa from apartheid,” he said.
He urged church leaders to go beyond the pulpit and take a more active stance against galamsey. He proposed that religious leaders wear red bands and organize demonstrations to demand immediate action.
“Our nation is being destroyed. We are heading toward national doom, and it’s better late than never. I hope that by this coming Sunday, church leaders will wear red bands, go out, and demonstrate—even if it is to the Jubilee House or elsewhere,” he urged.