Members of the Knights of St John International and the Ladies Auxiliary in the Ghana Catholic Church have urged the government to take decisive action against illegal mining (galamsey), backing the call for the declaration of a state of emergency.
At the 12th Biannual Conference held at KNUST in Kumasi, the President of Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Ghana, Major General William Edmund Adjei expressed sadness over the level of destruction of water bodies and forest reserves, and said it was indicative that dialogue and consultation were no longer enough to curb the canker.
He advocated a quick action to safeguard and protect water bodies and forest reserves that have not been affected.
“Where we have gotten to in the fight against galamsey is not talk matter, it is action, everybody in government know what must be done”, he stressed.
He further appealed to the government to listen to the voices of religious bodies, organised labour and all stakeholders and take immediate action to safeguard the country from further destruction.
The four-day conference brought together members from all the 16 regions in Ghana.
The occasion was also used to launch the four-year long celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Subordinate Ladies Auxiliary, Ghana.
At the opening ceremony where a memorial Mass was held for the fallen brothers and sisters, the Bishop of the Konongo Mampong Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Opoku Agyemang in the homily encouraged members of St John International and Ladies Auxiliary to prioritise their spiritual wellbeing by engaging in more charitable activities.
He advised leaders of the noble order to have a listening ear, always take into consideration the grievances of their members and address them appropriately.
He called on them to promote mutual respect, trust and transparency in all their activities.
Most Rev Opoku Agyemang wished the members of the St. John fruitful deliberations in the 12th Biannual Supreme Subordinate Convention.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in her welcome address urged the members to consider the convention, the largest gathering as a moment for reflection, renewal and commitment to the call to serve the church and the society.
