The Methodist Church of Ghana has called for intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the destruction of farmlands and pollution of water bodies pose a grave threat to the nation.
Presiding Bishop, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah‑Gyadu, stressed that religious leaders must take a more active role in addressing the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining. He made the appeal at the opening of the Church’s 52nd Conference in 2026.
According to him, the recent floods that ravaged parts of the country revealed shortcomings in how Christians understand their responsibility to safeguard the environment. “The recent, devastating deluge in the country exposed the inadequate conception of Christian stewardship and responsibility that we have worked with,” he noted.
The Presiding Bishop described the destruction of arable lands and contamination of water bodies through illegal mining as a matter of prophetic duty, underscoring the Church’s responsibility to speak out against practices that endanger society. He stressed that the Church’s vision and mission must go beyond statements and translate into measurable action.
“Our vision and mission statements must not remain empty slogans; we must pray about them, work towards them, and consciously look out for measurable outcomes on how effective we have been in the discharge of our duties as a church,” he added.
He urged religious institutions to deepen their advocacy and practical interventions to protect Ghana’s natural resources and promote responsible stewardship of the environment.
Source: Elizabeth Kabukie Ocansey
