President John Dramani Mahama has extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The President’s message was delivered during a courtesy call by a 20-member delegation from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), led by its President, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani.
President Mahama conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Ghana on the passing of Pope Francis, remembering him as a man deeply interested in Africa.
“I had the opportunity to meet him, and I was personally touched by his down-to-earth nature and keen interest in our continent,” the President stated. “He knew so much about Africa, and he was virtually interrogating me about it.”
Turning to the election of Pope Leo XIV, President Mahama expressed hope that the new Pontiff would “walk in the footsteps of Pope Francis.” He added, “We are happy at the quick succession and the person who has succeeded.”
He highlighted Pope Leo’s background in South America as valuable preparation for his new role.
The Catholic leaders visit served a dual purpose: to congratulate President Mahama on his decisive victory in the December 7, 2024, general election and to raise critical national issues.
Key concerns presented to the President included the escalating problem of illegal mining (“galamsey”), the ongoing education reform efforts, and broader governance and electoral reforms crucial for national development.
The Bishops’ Conference declared its support for the president’s efforts to tackle the galamsey menace, urging the government to impose a limited state of emergency in all affected zones to temporarily suspend all mining activities, deploy military engineering units for the reclamation of degraded mining areas, and restore lawful local governance.
Most Reverend Matthew Gyamfi, President of the Conference, stated that they are weighed down by the devastation caused by illegal mining, which started as a subsistence activity but has escalated into a threat of national proportions.
He noted that recent data indicate that over 4,000 hectares of the nation’s forest cover have been lost in just two years, adding that rivers such as Pra, Offin, and Ankobra have become bywords for environmental collapse due to the activities of illegal miners.
“Now, this ecological damage is grave, but the socio-moral disintegration it breeds is just as perilous. We believe we must act now and immediately, not only with force but with foresight,” Most Rev. Gyamfi said.
“Enforcement, we believe, must be balanced by credible and sustainable alternatives for those driven by desperation.”
