The Associate Professor of African Theocology and Director of the Allison Mary Howell Centre for Religion, Environment, Science and Development (AMH‑CRESAD) at the Akrofi‑Christaller Institute, Rev. Prof. Ebenezer Yaw Blasu, has warned that the earth is “groaning” under the weight of human destruction and ecological injustice.
Speaking at the 5th National Public Lecture and World Environment Day Commemoration at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, Prof. Blasu delivered a biblical and scientific critique of humanity’s treatment of creation.
Addressing the theme “Living Ecologically Just: A Biblical Response to Ecological Threats,” he said the planet is in “pain and anguish” because of human sin and disobedience.
“Our earth is groaning. It is experiencing decay,” he declared. “Human activities are hurting the earth, and we are suffering because of humanity’s sin against the God of creation.” He urged Ghanaians to examine their relationship with God, reminding the audience that Genesis 2:15 commands humanity to “till the earth and keep it,” not destroy it.
Prof. Blasu noted that there is overwhelming scientific evidence confirming the biblical truth that the planet, “the only home for life in the universe”, is in peril due to anthropogenic degradation. He explained that the root of the ecological crisis is theological: a failure and refusal to obey God’s cultural and religious provisions for sustaining creation. “The ecocrisis becomes a test of our eco‑moral maturity,” he said.
He argued that both primal religious traditions and Christian ethics call for repentance from destructive behaviours and a renewed commitment to moral practices that promote ecological integrity. “Recognising the religious, moral, and scientific dimensions is essential to developing a faithful Christian response to environmental challenges,” he added.
Prof. Blasu proposed African Theocology as a constructive framework for strengthening Christian ecological mission. He explained that African Theocology has the potential to awaken “God‑centred and African humanistic instinctual impulses” that support holistic approaches to ecological justice. This, he said, can enhance Christian efforts to live ecologically just lives and respond faithfully to the environmental crisis.
He ended by urging the church, academia, and society to work together to heal creation, insisting that ecological justice is both a spiritual mandate and a moral responsibility.
