A Catholic priest has initiated what he termed ‘operation touch heaven with prayers to help end galamsey’ as crusade against illegal mining reaches crescendo.

Rev. Fr. David Obeng Paintsil, Priest in–Charge of Jukwa Krobo Grotto, opined that concerted efforts to end galamsey in the country may not get the desired result if intensive prayers are not said to God to intervene.

At a press conference in the Central Region Tuesday, the Reverend Father decried how the environment and water bodies are encountering the “worst form of pollution” in recent times.

He noted that the increasing number of people mining illegally across the length and breadth of the country and the trail of environmental destruction has assumed an alarming proportion.

“One can longer rely on our natural rivers for water consumption; these water bodies have been poisoned by dangerous chemicals from the activities of ‘Galamse’”, he underscored.

He commended the recent media and government’s relentless fight against galamsey.

“However, we firmly believe that the government, the media and the civil society cannot succeed in this campaign without PRAYERS. The situation at hand is so complex that human effort of the Media and the Government is not enough to combat it. There is the need for us all to pray for divine intervention.”

The intercessory prayers are expected to To touch the heart of both the “BIG AND ORDINARY MEN” behind this seemingly attractive business that has dire consequences on our environment.

To give the government and the media the willpower and the spirit of perseverance to end “Galamsay”.

To give spiritual protection to all who are involved in this campaign especially the sector Minister and the Media To provide an alternative livelihood forthose who will be affected by this campaign and be rendered jobless.

Rev. Fr. David Obeng Paintsil has therefore called on Christians and Muslims to offer prayers of intercession on the First Sunday and First Friday respectively of every month during prayer services to end the galamsey menace.

He also entreated Pastors and Imams to educate their youth on the hazards of the menace, and the effect of galamsey activities in Ghana.