In an exclusive interview with Media General’s Keminni Amanor on Hot Issues, Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences, issued an alarming warning about Ghana’s future. With just 54 days until the highly anticipated December general elections, the Cardinal expressed his deep concerns over the state of the nation. According to him, if the current trajectory is not changed, Ghana is at risk of becoming a failed state. His remarks come at a critical juncture as the country is confronted with a series of mounting challenges, including the rapidly rising cost of living, the destructive impact of illegal mining, and heightened political tensions that have inflamed national discourse.
Cardinal Turkson, renowned for his role as a global peace advocate, is no stranger to addressing national crises. He played a pivotal role in ensuring a peaceful transition of power during the turbulent 2008 elections, when political tensions threatened to spiral out of control. Drawing on his experience, he emphasized the urgent need for a unified national vision—one that goes beyond the narrow confines of party politics and temporary electoral promises. The Cardinal noted with concern that the lack of continuity between successive governments has stunted Ghana’s growth. He pointed to the frequent abandonment of projects initiated by previous administrations, a practice that has become all too common, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources. This, he suggested, is a sign of a nation that is struggling to build a cohesive path forward.
During the interview on Hot Issues, Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson also expressed his deep concerns regarding illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and its devastating effects on Ghana. When asked about the recent protests where young people took to the streets to demand an end to illegal and unethical mining practices, Cardinal Turkson noted that it was troubling that these protesters, who were merely exercising their right to be heard, were arrested despite having a police permit. He remarked that it made little sense for the police to arrest them if they had obtained the necessary authorization to peacefully protest. He acknowledged the police’s claim that there were excesses during the protest but remained critical of the overall response, especially when young people were raising their voices for such a vital cause.
Cardinal Turkson emphasized that the issue of galamsey is not a recent concern. For years, illegal mining has been damaging Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies and farmlands, and it has become a major source of frustration for communities affected by the practice. He pointed out that in other parts of the world, young people have been at the forefront of environmental movements, even leaving their classrooms to make their voices heard by governments. The Cardinal remarked that while it may seem late for Ghana to now see such protests, the demands for change are nonetheless essential.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Cardinal Turkson shared that he had engaged in private conversations with high-ranking officials over the galamsey issue for an extended period. He stressed the need for long-term vision and sustainable development over short-term gains. The allure of quick profits from illegal mining, he explained, corresponds to a short-sighted approach that ultimately leaves behind more harm than good. He described how some Catholic institutions, such as hospitals in affected areas, are already bearing the brunt of the environmental damage caused by galamsey. Cardinal Turkson urged leaders to adopt a more responsible, forward-thinking approach, focusing on the well-being of future generations rather than immediate financial benefits.
In his closing remarks on the topic, he called for decisive action from the government and greater responsibility from society as a whole. He underscored the importance of protecting Ghana’s natural resources and ensuring that economic activities do not come at the expense of the environment and public health. The Cardinal’s thoughts on galamsey were clear: Ghana must move beyond short-term profits and cultivate a culture of sustainability, one that safeguards both the environment and the nation’s future.
The Cardinal also highlighted the broader moral responsibility that comes with leadership. He stressed that Ghana needs leaders who are not only committed to short-term political gains but are also invested in building a stable, just, and prosperous nation for future generations. He underscored the necessity of long-term planning and a shared national vision that transcends the electoral cycle, arguing that without such a framework, the country risks becoming mired in cycles of stagnation and unfulfilled potential. His critique of the political culture, where parties often discard the initiatives of previous administrations, was a pointed reminder that the country cannot afford to continue this pattern of disjointed governance if it hopes to move forward.
As the December elections draw near, the Cardinal’s message resonates with growing concerns among Ghanaians. Many citizens are increasingly worried about the potential for unrest in the upcoming elections. Cardinal Turkson’s call for unity and peacebuilding serves as both a warning and a plea—Ghana must come together to ensure a peaceful election and create a foundation for sustainable development. His message is clear: in order to avoid the grim future of becoming a failed state, the country must prioritize its long-term well-being over partisan politics and immediate electoral victories.
In the final moments of the interview, the Cardinal reiterated the importance of national dialogue and the need for all citizens to engage in the democratic process with a sense of responsibility. He reminded Ghanaians that the true strength of a democracy lies in the participation of its people, and that the upcoming elections are an opportunity for the nation to choose a path of peace, progress, and unity.
