The Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has called on Presbyterians worldwide to be disciplined wherever they find themselves, urging members to uphold hard work, integrity, humility and godly leadership as the church partners the state in promoting justice and national well‑being.
His charge came as the 26th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana issued a communique urging government to intensify action on illegal mining, flooding, youth unemployment, rising social indiscipline and other pressing national development concerns.
The communique, released after meetings held virtually from 31st July to 11th August 2026 and in person from 12th to 16th August 2026 at the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi‑Kwahu, expressed deep alarm over the persistent destruction of forests and water bodies through illegal mining.
It commended the Judiciary, security agencies and the Attorney General’s Office for recent enforcement efforts but warned that progress is being reversed, citing reports of armed miners taking over forest reserves. The Assembly described galamsey as a national security threat requiring urgent and uncompromising action.
The Assembly extended condolences to families of the 34 people who died in the June 2026 floods, linking the severity of the disaster to environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and poor land management. It welcomed government’s GH¢350 million commitment to post‑flood mitigation and urged stronger collaboration with faith‑based organisations in disaster preparedness and recovery.
Concerns were also raised about rising violence, sexual assault and attacks on teachers in senior high schools. The Assembly called for expedited action on the revised partnership agreement between the state and mission schools, emphasising that faith‑based institutions must not be sidelined. It welcomed the ban on extravagant SHS graduation celebrations and urged society to uphold modesty and humility.
The communique commended government for stabilising the economy, noting lower inflation, improved reserves and steady GDP growth. However, it warned that structural weaknesses, especially in energy, cocoa and state‑owned enterprises, could undermine sustainability. It urged adoption of credible home‑grown solutions to avoid future IMF bailouts.
The Assembly further expressed concern over the persistent “no‑bed syndrome” in hospitals, rising road fatalities and irresponsible public speech on radio, television and social media. It concluded with a call for patriotic behaviour, unity and renewed commitment to national development as the church approaches its 200th anniversary, assuring government of its support in promoting justice and national well‑being.
By Jerome Otchere
