The Methodist Church Ghana (MCG) has called for sustainable, non-partisan solutions to address the rapid destruction of the country’s ecology and biodiversity, particularly through illegal mining (galamsey).
The Right Reverend Emmanuel Borlabi Bortey, a Minister of the Church, said the devastating effects of environmental destruction posed a threat to everyone.
“Everywhere, people are just digging with impunity because they are looking for gold.
“Our rivers are being polluted, our forests are depleted, and our soils are being contaminated with dangerous chemicals,” he said.
Rt Rev Bortey was speaking at the Third Stephen-Odunton-Armar Memorial Lecture, organised by the Accra Wesley Cathedral of the MCG in Accra.
He spoke on the topic, “Walking in the Word: A Call to Serve the People”.
The former Accra Wesley Diocesan Bishop said environmental protection was a divine responsibility and a godly commission that should not be neglected.
“In God’s will, we have a responsibility for the upkeep of the earth,” he noted.
He warned of serious consequences for the country if environmental degradation continued, particularly as individuals prioritised material gains over the protection of natural resources.
“Our young people are on the rampage to make money from ‘galamsey’ at the expense of human life,” he emphasised.
Rt Rev Bortey said it was imperative for people to become responsible stewards of the environment and urged a non-partisan approach to tackling the menace.
“How can we also as church help our young people who are desperate to make a living?
“How best can we stem this threat which threatens our overall wellbeing as a nation?” he asked.
The lecture was organised to honour the memories of the Most Rev Jacob Stephens, a former President of the Methodist Conference; Mr Joseph Odunton, the first Ghanaian Director of the Information Service; and Dr Augustus Armar, a gynaecologist and co-founder of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG).
It also sought to recognise their leadership, sacrifices and contributions to the Church and national development.