By King Amoah.
Once again the Christian Council of Ghana has found itself at the center of controversy following its calls for the government to take decisive action against galamsey operations.
However, this call has not been received positively by all, most notably by cultural commentator Roy Offei, who recently criticized the Council’s stance, suggesting that their previous silence on issues of corruption diminishes their credibility.
In a lively chat with the website Offei posited that
Illegal mining has been a significant challenge in Ghana, a country rich in natural resources but plagued by environmental degradation and corruption in governance.
Roy Offei stated that galamsey has led to extensive deforestation, water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity, threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on these ecosystems.
The government’s attempts to clamp down on illegal mining operations he observed have been met with mixed reactions, and civil society organizations, including religious groups, have increasingly condemned the practice.
Offei insists that his criticism of the Christian Council raises important questions about the integrity and role of faith-based organizations in advocating for social justice.
According to him the the Council’s late entry into the conversation about galamsey might appear disingenuous to some, especially to those who argue that religious organizations should have long been vocal against corruption and environmental destruction.
By highlighting the Council’s past silence on corruption, Offei emphasizes the need for consistency in advocacy.
He argues that, as moral beacons, religious leaders should condemn not only the illegal activities like galamsey but also the systemic issues that allow such practices to flourish.
Corruption, he suggests, is deeply intertwined with many of Ghana’s challenges, including illegal mining and therefore If the Christian Council truly aims to protect the sanctity of creation and the well-being of the nation’s citizens, they must address the root causes of these problems as fervently as they pursue bans on illegal mining.
Roy Offei’s call for the Council to “shut up” until they can demonstrate a consistent and outspoken commitment to all societal issues serves as a challenge and a reminder that true leadership, whether in politics, religion, or civil society, requires courage, integrity, and a holistic approach to injustice.
The nation is watching, and the time for proactive engagement is now, Roy Offei stated
