The Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, a Catholic-friendly society, has stressed the need for Ghanains to see illegal mining not merely as an environmental issue, but as a moral, spiritual, and existential crisis.

“The desecration of our rivers, forests, and farmlands is a betrayal of God’s mandate to mankind to care for creation. The poisoning of our water bodies, the loss of livelihoods, and the exploitation of vulnerable youth are wounds that cut deep into the soul of our dear nation,” it stated.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Supreme Knight, Sir Kt Bro Constantine Kudzedzi and the Grand Lady, Most Respected Lady Sister Irene Smith-Ansah solidarity with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference prophetic denunciation of the destructive scourge of illegal mining (Galamsey), that continues to ravage our beloved nation. 

Truth to power

As a Catholic fraternal organisation, it said, the society was committed to justice, responsible stewardship, environmental protection and the dignity of human life.

“We commend the Bishops for speaking truth to power and for calling all sectors of society: political leaders, chiefs, religious figures, and citizens to repentance, courage, and action. 

The statement said the Bishops’call for a state of emergency, a holistic national strategy, and the prosecution of both the powerful and the poor was not only just, but was necessary.

Advocate

It pledged to advocate for responsible stewardship of Ghana’s natural resources and support education and awareness campaigns in the communities.

The statement encouraged members of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall to speak out against corruption and environmental injustice 

“Let it be known that we choose life over death, justice over silence, and integrity over complicity.    

“We stand with our Bishops, not in fear, but in faith, and we call upon all lay Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ to rise with us in defence of our shared home: Mother Earth,” it said.