THEME: ENVIRONMENTAL LEPROSY: GALAMSEY IN GHANA
Readings: 2 Kings 5:14–17/ 2 Timothy 2:8–13/ Luke 17:11–19
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, as we reflect on the biblical message of leprosy and healing, we are invited to examine not only the state of our individual souls, but also the condition of our nation, and more specifically, the destructive effects of illegal mining—galamsey.
1. Environmental Leprosy – A Modern Plague
In the first reading, Naaman is healed of his leprosy (cf. 2 Kings 5:14–17). Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus heals ten lepers (cf. Luke 17:11–19). In biblical times, leprosy was seen as a disease which did not only afflict one’s body but also his/her spirit, and it led to social isolation.
Today, galamsey has become a form of national leprosy – “environmental leprosy“. Like the leprosy of old, galamsey has disfigured our land and forests, destroyed our farms and made crops unsafe for consumption, poisoned our waters and fishes, and isolated communities. So, like the leprosy of old, galamsey is an open wound on the face of Ghana which destroys and isolates, both physically and spiritually.
2. Government’s Solutions: Pretense or Incompetence?
The environmental irony. Elsewhere, visionary and courageous leaders have turned places which were once deserts into lush green lands with flowing clean waters, e.g. Dubai. In contrast, over the past twenty years or so, our leaders have superintended over the destruction of our tropical forest, flourishing farms, life-giving waters, and gradually our land is turning into a desert. So, when our governments proffer solutions to fix galamsey, are they pretending or incompetent?
2.1 Why the pretense?
There are speeches, committees, press conferences, and promises—but little genuine action. As recent as 3rd October, 2025, the Government of His Excellency, President John D. Mahama invited Civil Service Organizations (CSOs) for an engagement. According to the letter of invitation, the purpose of engagement was: “to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and the civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with the view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives and solutions to address this national challenge”. However, at the forum, while government officials had a disproportionate allocation of time to lament about what they had inherited and to trumpet about what they are doing to fight galamsey, little time was allotted to the CSOs. In the end, there was no genuine dialogue with the CSOs to seek credible solutions to the menace.
In the face of the exponentially worsening negative impact of galamsey, one may ask: was the forum a pretence? What about the general posture of the Government? Pretense is meant to cover up for those who are overtly or covertly benefiting from galamsey. Some people wear the robes of morality in public, but behind closed doors, they fund the very activities that are destroying our environment. This is hypocrisy.
2.2 Incompetent?
Is the problem rather the lack of competence and courage to effectively tackle the galamsey menace? Galamsey cannot be tackled with a “galamseous” solution – a solution that scratches only the surface of the problem. In today’s first reading, Naaman nearly missed his healing because, though incompetent in healing himself, he proffered a solution, instead of listening to the prophet Elisha who was the “expert”. Fortunately, he would later humbly listen to the prophet, and then immerse himself into the Jordan for his healing. Similarly, the current Government has to be humble enough to listen to patriotic experts and the prophetic voice of the Church, and then be courageous in implementing their advice to successfully tackle galamsey.
3. The cry of the marginalized
Crucial to the healing of the Syrian warrior, Naaman, was the prompting of his servant, who was a foreigner and an insignificant member of his household. Similarly, in today’s gospel reading, it was only the Samaritan, a foreigner, an outsider, who returned to give thanks to Jesus for his healing. This tells us something important: those on the margins are often the most sincere. Therefore, the Government should listen to the cry of the millions of ordinary Ghanaians concerning the inestimable consequences of galamsey. Often their cry is non-verbal, but it is louder than words.
However, when those in authority seem not to hear the marginalized, Church leaders and patriotic activists must lend their voices. This demands courage. The Voice of the Voiceless can take inspiration from St. Paul. In today’s second reading, he writes from prison. He suffers not because he has done wrong, but because he is faithful to the truth of the Gospel. He tells the young Timothy, “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him [Christ]. If we deny Him, He will also deny us” (2 Tim. 2:12).
This is a hard message—but a timely one. When it comes to environmental destruction in Ghana, the Church cannot remain silent. Faith must be more than Sunday worship. It must speak out when the rivers are dying, when the land is bleeding, when a whole nation is being slowly poisoned into extinction, while the authorities are not addressing the menace.
As Christians, we are called to endure. To speak the truth even when it is unpopular. To demand justice even when it is inconvenient. To stand with the voiceless, the poor, and the environment, even when it costs us something.
4. Healing Through True Conversion
Naaman was healed not just physically but spiritually; for he who did not believe in God returned to acknowledge and thank Him. Likewise, the healed leper in the Gospel is told by Jesus, “Your faith has saved you.”
Ghana needs more than policy. Ghana needs conversion.
Conversion of heart in our leaders.
Conversion of conscience of citizens involved in galamsey.
Conversion of culture in how we relate to creation.
Conclusion
Beloved in Christ,
Galamsey is not just illegal—it is sinful. It is a form of environmental leprosy that scars our nation, betrays future generations, and mocks the justice of God. The pretense of addressing it only adds insult to injury.
But the Good News is this: Jesus still heals.
He heals nations as well as individuals.
He calls us, like Naaman, to humble obedience.
He invites us, like the Samaritan leper, to return in gratitude and faith.
And He urges us, like Paul, to endure and remain faithful, even when the cost is high.
Let us not pretend anymore.
Let us repent.
Let us act.
Let us pray.
Let us speak.
And let us trust in Christ, who alone can cleanse us from this leprosy.
Amen.
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
