How a Catholic Priest Mobilised an Entire Town to Reject Galamsey

In the heart of Ghana’s Western North region, a Catholic priest is leading a remarkable fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Father Joseph Kwame Blay, a Franciscan friar with 32 years of service, has mobilised the people of Jema to take a firm stand against the destructive practice that has ravaged many communities across the country.

Father Blay’s efforts began in 2015 when he confronted young men searching for galamsey opportunities in the forest. “I saw some young boys, they went to dig in the forest, and then they said they were searching for galamsey. I confronted them,” he recounted on The Point of View TV show hosted by Bernard Avle.

The priest’s dedication to the cause is deeply rooted in his connection to Jema. “I was born and bred in Jema,” Father Blay explained. Despite not being permanently stationed there, he visits regularly and has become a respected community leader.

Father Blay’s approach combines grassroots mobilisation with academic research. He completed a PhD dissertation on artisanal and small-scale gold mining, which provided valuable insights into the long-term effects of galamsey. “In the very short term, it promotes commerce,” he noted. “But if you look at galamsey, their modus operandi, it is something that is migrating. So they finish the oil here, finish the land here. Within a short time, two years, they have moved.”

The priest’s efforts culminated in a community-wide petition against galamsey in 2022. “We drafted it all together and got all the leaders. Just on that very day, we signed,” he said. The petition, signed by the chief, elders, and various community leaders, outlined 13 reasons why mining should not be allowed in Jema, including the protection of farmlands, water sources, and forest reserves.

Father Blay emphasised the importance of community mobilisation in the fight against galamsey. “The community has the power,” he stated. “Especially, you see, the irony of it is that you say you are bringing work to the youth, and the youth say, we have work. Our work is cocoa.”

The priest’s work extends beyond Jema. He and his team have established the Jema Anti-Galamsey Advocacy (JAGA) organisation and are planning to launch an Environmental Stewardship Day. “We are going to call all stakeholders,” he explained. “We can make it a national day. That’s how we start. Always you have to start from somewhere.”

Father Blay’s efforts in Jema serve as a powerful example of how communities can resist the lure of galamsey and protect their natural resources. His work demonstrates that with strong leadership, education, and community involvement, it is possible to stand against illegal mining and preserve the environment for future generations.

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