Churches join fight against galamsey

Churches in the Ashanti Region held special services Sunday to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with a firm commitment to join the national campaign against illegal mining popularly referred to as galamsey.

Some pastors who spoke to TV3 on resurrection day lauded the President’s commitment in stopping the activities of galamsey which is threatening Ghana’s environment, and said they are in full support to restore the dignity of our environment.

Activities of illegal miners have become an albatross on the necks of policy makers. Galamsey has caused large tracts of arable lands, water bodies and farmlands to be destroyed across most parts of the country; something that has triggered the need for action to end the canker.

Government, the media and civil society recognizing the extent of damage being caused by galamsey have all started campaigns aimed at stopping the activities of illegal miners.

It is against this backdrop that as Christians marked the resurrection of Christ the subject of galamsey was given prominence. The head pastor of the New Tafo branch of the Christ Apostolic Church, Rev. Samuel Kpali Mensah described galamsey activity as a danger to God’s creation. He supported his argument with a point that, God in His wisdom gave mankind a verdant environment but galamsey has ripped nature of it beauty.

Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Right Reverend Christopher Nyarko Andam, who was not happy about galamsey, likened the menace to a national disaster.