Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso, a former president of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, has urged religious leaders to mobilize their followers in opposition to the illegal mining issue.
The former General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church emphasised in an interview with Raymond Acquah on Upfront that the government could only be forced to respond decisively through widespread protests.
The government has not yet addressed the growing catastrophe that is harming water bodies, forest reserves, and posing a threat to access to water, despite continuous campaigns against illegal mining.
Prof Frimpong Manso wants churches to join the fight starting this Sunday.
“My fellow church leaders, we are preparing people for heaven, not for deafness. We must speak the truth, even if it means facing opposition. Just as Desmond Tutu and others fought against apathy in Africa, we must confront this dire issue.
“Our nation is being destroyed, and we are heading towards national doom. I hope that this Sunday, church leaders will don red bands and participate in demonstrations, whether at the Jubilee House or elsewhere. This issue transcends electoral politics; it’s a matter of national urgency.”
In a similar incident, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the minister of lands and natural resources, has been asked to step down by Bishop Dr. S.N. Mensah, chairman of the Full Gospel Church board of trustees.
He criticized Jinapor for failing to lead the fight against illegal mining. “He should resign,” said Bishop Mensah. “He has not provided the necessary leadership to address this destructive and life-threatening situation. If he couldn’t solve this issue in seven years, why should the public trust him with their vote again?”.
Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong, a former general secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, has pushed President Akufo-Addo to assume personal accountability for the conflict.
He issued a warning that ignoring the situation might negatively define the President’s legacy. “Nana Addo’s legacy must include this fight in a major way.”
“It should not be said that his administration failed to combat illegal mining effectively.”
The effects of unlawful mining on the environment are getting worse as churches consider what to do next.
Professor Eric Gyimah of the University of Mines and Energy’s Department of Environment and Safety has issued a dire warning about what will happen if nothing happens right now. “Toxic elements have been found in a variety of biomolecules, including breast milk and urine.
“The contamination of essential resources like water and soil affects us all. This issue is not confined to mining communities but it’s a national concern. Farmers using polluted water for irrigation can spread contamination to crops, ultimately impacting everyone.”
Source: Adomonline