The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare‑Kwakye, has reaffirmed the church’s unwavering commitment to speak against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing it as a national “sickness” that continues to destroy lives, pollute water bodies, and threaten Ghana’s future.
Preaching at the Calvary Congregation, Akyem Awisa, on the final day of his pastoral visit to the West Akyem Presbytery, the Moderator declared that the church would not be silent on the matter, regardless of criticism from political actors or individuals who feel uncomfortable with the truth.
“When I started talking about galamsey, I was not Moderator, and I will continue to talk about this sickness,” he said, stressing that his advocacy predates his current office and is rooted in the church’s prophetic mandate to defend the vulnerable and protect God’s creation.
He noted that the destructive mining practices ravaging Ghana’s forests, rivers, and farmlands are not merely environmental issues but moral and spiritual concerns. The Moderator warned that the country is “exposing itself to too many risks,” citing scientific and medical reports that link polluted water sources and heavy metal contamination to children being born with deformities and communities suffering long‑term health complications.
The Moderator referenced insights shared during the PCG’s public lecture on the environment last year, where experts highlighted the severe ecological and human costs of illegal mining. “Officials told us about the dangers associated with galamsey and what we are reducing ourselves to,” he said, lamenting the irreversible damage being done to river basins, farmlands, and entire ecosystems.
He stated that the PCG’s stance is not political but moral, grounded in Scripture’s call to stewardship, justice, and care for creation. He reminded congregants that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has a long history of speaking truth to power and advocating for national wellbeing.
