Minority backs Presbyterian Church's nationwide 'Red Sunday' anti-galamsey campaign
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has welcomed the newly launched nationwide advocacy campaign against illegal mining by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, describing it as a clear indication of the depth of national concern over the worsening environmental crisis.
The campaign, dubbed 'Red Sunday', is the church's way of adding its influential voice to the fight to end the menace that has devastated Ghana's rivers, forests, and farmlands.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 17, and signed by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Member of Parliament for Mampong and Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, the NPP MPs commended the Presbyterian Church for what they termed a "growing national call for urgent action."
The caucus noted that the involvement of one of Ghana's most respected religious institutions signals the gravity of the situation.
"The decision of one of Ghana's most respected religious institutions to dedicate a 'Red Sunday' campaign to the fight against galamsey is a clear indication of the depth of concern across the country about the worsening state of our environment and water bodies," the statement read in part.
The caucus further criticises the current administration's record, reminding Ghanaians that the National Democratic Congress government came to power on strong promises to end illegal mining through its Reset Agenda.
"Yet, in less than two (2) years, the menace persists and, by many accounts, has become even more widespread and destructive. This should concern every Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation," the Minority stated.
The lawmakers stressed that the fight against galamsey must not be reduced to partisan point-scoring.
They argued that a key step toward containing the menace is to deliberately remove it from partisan politics and treat it as a strictly national enforcement and governance issue.
The caucus further observed that, at various points, the galamsey enterprise has been enabled, protected, or sustained by individuals within politically exposed circles and other influential actors, a reality they said underscores the need for stronger institutions insulated from political interference.
"We therefore welcome the intervention of the Presbyterian Church and call on all faith-based organisations, civil society groups, traditional leaders, the media, and concerned citizens to join this collective effort," the statement added.