Protest Against Galamsey – Rev. Frimpong Manso Urges Churches

Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso, former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, has called on church leaders to mobilize their congregations to protest against the ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) crisis that is devastating the country’s environment. In an interview on Upfront with Raymond Acquah, the former General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church emphasized that only mass protests could compel the government to take urgent and decisive action.

Despite ongoing anti-galamsey campaigns, the government has yet to effectively address the crisis, which continues to destroy water bodies and forest reserves, threatening the nation’s access to clean water. Prof. Frimpong Manso urged churches to actively join the fight, starting with demonstrations this Sunday.

“My fellow church leaders, we are preparing people for heaven, but we must not turn a blind eye to what is happening here. We must speak the truth, even in the face of opposition,” he said. Drawing parallels with figures like Desmond Tutu who fought apathy in Africa, he continued, “Our nation is being destroyed, and we are heading towards national doom. I hope this Sunday, church leaders will wear red bands and lead protests, whether at the Jubilee House or elsewhere. This is beyond electoral politics; it is a national emergency.”

In a related development, Bishop Dr. S.N. Mensah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Full Gospel Church, called for the resignation of Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, accusing him of failing to provide effective leadership in the fight against illegal mining. “He should resign,” Bishop Mensah declared. “After seven years, he has not addressed this life-threatening issue. Why should the public trust him with their vote again?”

Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong, former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to take personal responsibility for leading the fight against illegal mining, warning that the failure to do so could tarnish his legacy. “This issue should be a defining part of Nana Addo’s legacy,” he said. “It must not be said that his administration failed to combat illegal mining effectively.”

As the churches deliberate their next steps, the environmental and health impact of illegal mining continues to escalate. Dr. Eric Gyimah, a lecturer in the Department of Environment and Safety at the University of Mines and Energy, warned of the toxic consequences. “We have detected harmful elements in biomolecules like urine and breast milk. Contaminated water and soil affect us all, not just mining communities. Farmers irrigating with polluted water could spread contamination to crops, impacting everyone.”

With environmental degradation worsening, the church’s role in the fight against illegal mining could prove crucial in galvanizing broader public action.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com