The Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana has decried the spate at which illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is wreaking havoc on the nation, and called for collective efforts to stop it.
Addressing the 60th Annual Synod of the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana over the weekend, Right Rev Christopher Nyarko Andam, Bishop of the Diocese, who doubles as the Ashanti Regional Peace Council Chairman, noted that for some years, the country has been battling the menace of illegal small scale mining.
This challenge, according to him, has resulted in several river bodies such as rivers Birim, Ankobra, Tano and others being heavily polluted with poisonous substances and in some cases threatens water treatment supply.
Declaring the stand of the church in the preservation of the environment, the Weslyan Prelate said: “We share the in the view of the National Consultative Dialogue of the Small Scale Mining that the issue of galamsey has reached a national emergency, and this will require all hands on deck.” The visibly worried Bishop Christopher Nyarko Andam further told the Synod that the state must spare no one caught in illegal mining, destroying our water bodies, farm lands and environment.
“God has created us to be stewards over the environment; the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana wishes to urge the government and all stakeholders with some authority to put an end to this menace. Posterity will never forgive us if we fail to stop this criminal activity.”
On behalf of the Synod, Bishop Nyarko Andam congratulated President Akufo-Addo for his re-election to the second term of office, and to all appointees in other key government positions. “We pray for God’s protection and guidance to enable them steer the affairs of this country to success during their second term in office.
“We admonish all other parties in opposition to contribute their part in the affairs of the nation in a manner that ensures the best development for our country. It is our fervent prayer that the peace, unity and harmony we are currently enjoying in Ghana is protected and enhanced by our positive utterances and actions.”
Bishop Christopher Nyarko Andam, who is in his last term as the Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese, also advised that “we must endeavour to prioritise Ghana before our actions and refrain from acts, which have the tendency to derail the development of our mother land. Let us all work in various ways to build a prosperous and united and healthy nation.”
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, on his part, noted that the world was battling the novel coronavirus pandemic, and this has affected almost everyone.
Expressing his deepest condolences to all who have, one way or the other, been affected by the dreaded Covid-19, Most Rev Boafo said: “We have all gone through some grief, bereavement and devastation because of Covid-19-related deaths or infections. The death associated with it was previously counted with numbers far removed from us, but now, we can all in some way attach names to the dead who are so close to us. May I use this opportunity to express my deepest condolences to all who have gone through such pain, and ask for God’s comfort and peace upon your families.”
In attendance were the former Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev Prof Emmanuel K. Asante, Bro. Kwabena Appiagyei Asante-Krobea (Lay Chairman, Kumasi Diocese), Very Rev Stephen K. Owusu (Synod Secretary and Bishop-elect) Rt Rev Samuel Ansu, Rt Rev Stephen K. Bosotwi-Ayensu, Rt Rev Kofi Asare Bediako, Rt Rev Osei Sarfo Kantanka, Dr. Christoher Larbie, Prof. Seth Opuni Asiamah, Bro. Jonathan Sam and a host of others.
The post Methodist Church: Galamsey is destroying the environment, stop it! appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS