If you’re a Presbyterian in galamsey, repent!

Brong Ahafo Presbytery Chairperson, Rev. Benjamin Appiah, has issued a firm call to Presbyterians engaged in illegal mining (galamsey) to repent immediately, warning that the practice is destroying lives, poisoning the environment, and contradicting the very heritage and identity of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

“If there is any Presbyterian involved in galamsey, I charge you to repent. It is inconsistent with our heritage,” he declared, emphasising that the fight against galamsey is not only environmental but deeply spiritual.

Speaking at the 60th Presbytery Session, Rev. Appiah lamented the worsening environmental devastation caused by galamsey, describing it as a national crisis with spiritual, moral, and health implications. He noted that the effects are no longer abstract concerns but visible realities affecting families, communities, and even the church’s sacramental life.

He referenced the recent concerns raised by the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, who revealed that polluted water bodies have made it difficult for the church to administer water baptism in some areas. Rev. Appiah described the political backlash that followed those comments as “unacceptable,” insisting that the church must speak boldly on matters that threaten God’s creation.

He stressed that the damage caused by galamsey is undeniable — children being born with abnormalities, poisoned food and water, collapsing ecosystems, and the destruction of land God declared “very good” in Genesis 1:31. He added that the injustice done to the land, vegetation, and other organisms must be confronted with urgency.

Turning to issues of chieftaincy, Rev. Appiah expressed concern about the growing conflicts surrounding succession. He described chieftaincy as a gift of heritage meant to promote unity, not division. He called on government to require all traditional rulers to document clear succession plans to prevent disputes and the hijacking of stools.