Archbishop Charles Agyinasare has stated that Ghana’s land is in mourning due to the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey).
On Sunday, 8 September 2024, during a message titled “Restoring Our Land: A Call Against Galamsey,” Dr. Agyinasare noted, “Galamsey is an issue that threatens our environment, our health, and our future,” stressing: “It is a pressing issue that is affecting our beloved nation,” thus, “As a preacher, I must be concerned with what is happening around me,” just as the Apostle Paul did in his day, according to Acts 17:23 NKJV: “For as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To the unknown god. Therefore, the one whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you”.
He explained that illegal miners use techniques like panning, where soil and gravel are washed in water to extract gold particles, and sluicing, which involves using water to separate minerals. Additionally, they use mercury to amalgamate the gold.
Referring to the Bible to highlight humanity’s responsibility as “stewards of God’s creation,” Archbishop Agyinasare cited Genesis 2:8 and 15 (NKJV) to emphasize his point, “The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it”.
He also referenced Psalm 104, which describes the beauty of God’s creation. Therefore, caring for the environment, the Archbishop emphasized is “a sacred responsibility that each of us bears as followers of Christ: the stewardship of God’s creation. From the majestic mountains to the tiniest creatures, all of creation is a testament to God’s glory and love”.
He pointed to Proverbs 12:10 (NIV), “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” He explained, “This verse underscores the responsibility of stewardship over God’s creation, a duty that is being neglected through illegal mining activities”.
To emphasize his message, he showed videos to the congregation of fish struggling to survive in water bodies devastated by galamsey.
He noted that galamsey is widespread in several regions across Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti, Western, and Eastern regions.
During a visit to the northern part of the country, he was surprised to learn that the problem had spread there as well. Rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have been “severely affected,” he said, showing the congregation before-and-after videos of these rivers.
Archbishop Agyinasare explained that before galamsey, the Pra River was so clear one could easily fetch water to drink, but that is no longer the case. The same devastation can be seen with the Ankobra and Offin rivers.
Archbishop Agyinasare stated that despite the significant harm done to Ghana’s water bodies, there is still hope for restoration. “It is not all doom and gloom. I’m a preacher of good news. It is late but it is not too late. We must remember that we are stewards of God’s creation”.
He proposed several practical steps to tackle galamsey, stressing the need for faith-driven action.
He advocated for raising awareness by educating communities about the dangers of illegal mining and the importance of environmental stewardship, referencing Proverbs 1:5.
He also emphasized the need for reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize waste, citing Proverbs 21:20 (NIV) which advises, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
He warned against consuming and degrading resources without regard for future generations, echoing the sentiment of 2 Kings 20:19 (KJV): “Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?”.
“Other steps include supporting sustainable practices such as advocating and supporting businesses and practices that prioritise sustainability and environmental protection”he added.
He also encouraged Christians and Ghanaians to participate in community clean-ups by joining local initiatives to restore parks, rivers, and neighborhoods.
Additionally, he stated that Ghanaians should support policies that safeguard the environment and hold illegal miners accountable.
“Pray for our nation and planet, its restoration, and for wisdom in how we can be better stewards. James 5:16 (NIV) reminds us that: ‘The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” he urged