COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE 26th GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA
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.
SALUTATION: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1 NIV)
PREAMBLE: Your Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) warmly welcomes you, government officials, traditional leaders, and the people of Ghana to the 26th General Assembly (GA) today. The Assembly reaffirms its unwavering faith in God’s sovereignty and guidance over the nation and reiterates its commitment to partnering with the government and stakeholders to ensure that Ghana remains a peaceful, just, and prosperous nation for present and future generations.
THEME FOR THE CHURCH YEAR: The GA reflects on the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage: Building on the Foundation Already Laid” (1 Corinthians 3:11).
This theme calls on the PCG to celebrate God’s faithfulness throughout its 198-year history, while remaining committed to God’s mission. It reminds the church that its heritage—shaped by foreign and indigenous missionaries—continues to inspire its vision of being “a Christ-Centred, Self-Sustaining and Growing Church.”
As the church journeys toward its bicentenary in 2028, the theme provides spiritual direction, urging Presbyterians to draw renewed strength from God’s faithfulness and to build faithfully on the foundation laid by Christ and our forebears. Anchored in 1 Corinthians 3:11, the PCG proclaims Christ as the world’s unshakable, eternal foundation. For nearly two centuries, this truth has sustained the Church’s ministry. In gratitude and hope, the PCG is committed to preserving its legacy and proclaiming the Gospel until Christ returns.
COMMISERATING WITH THE PEOPLE OF DAGBON: The PCG commiserates with the people of Dagbon as the nation mourns the passing of His Majesty Ndan Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, on Saturday, 11th July 2026. The PCG prays to God to comfort the people of Dagbon. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
COMMENDATION: Your Excellency, the PCG thanks the Almighty God for His continued providence over our nation. We commend the Government and people of Ghana for the progress made over the past year, particularly the relative peace enjoyed across the country. We also applaud your efforts, together with those of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to advance dialogue and reconciliation in Bawku. We encourage all parties to embrace peace as the surest path to lasting development and national cohesion.
The PCG further commends the Government for its commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians, both at home and abroad. We appreciate the timely evacuation of approximately 1,600 Ghanaian nationals affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa and the safe return of approximately 327 Ghanaians displaced by the demolition exercise in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. We also acknowledge the encouraging signs of economic recovery, including lower inflation, steady Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, and the relative stability of the Ghanaian Cedi, which have helped ease the economic burden on many households. In addition, we applaud the institution of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on 1st July, recognising it as a meaningful reminder that our nation’s peace, unity, and prosperity ultimately come from God.
Finally, the PCG commends Your Excellency and the Government of Ghana for securing the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution in March 2026, recognising the Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and the system of racialised chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. This historic achievement reflects Ghana’s enduring commitment to justice, human dignity, and historical accountability while strengthening the nation’s voice on the global stage.
NATIONAL ISSUES OF CONCERN: Small Scale Illegal Mining (Galamsey)
The PCG has consistently drawn attention to the destruction of our land, water bodies, and ecosystems because of illegal mining activities perpetrated by unpatriotic Ghanaians and their allies. It is deeply concerning that, despite repeated calls from the church and other stakeholders and the interventions of successive governments, no better results have been realised thus far. This destructive activity continues to devastate the environment. Perhaps the church has not been loud enough, or the political will of successive governments has not been strong enough to stop this menace. However, the church is encouraged by the current legal procedures to ensure that persons involved in illegal mining, the destruction of forests and water bodies are brought to book. The PCG commends the Judiciary, Security Agencies, National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, and the Attorney General’s Office for their efforts to enforce the rule of law and maintain justice in addressing the problems of illegal mining. The PCG urges the government to deliver on its commitment to uproot this ecological and social menace. This ensures our God-given responsibility to protect the nation’s natural resources from exploitation.
Your Excellency, the PCG commends the Government for repealing Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which previously permitted mining in certain forest reserves. While this policy step is commendable, its implementation appears to be lagging. A recent documentary by Mr Erastus Asare Donkor titled “Galamsey is taking back our forest”, published on myjoyonline.com on 13th August 2026, reported that Ghana is losing ground in the fight against mining in its forest reserves. Significant progress against galamsey in 2025 is being reversed, with the takeover of some forest reserves by armed illegal miners.
This is deeply alarming, and the PCG calls for immediate action by relevant state agencies and security services to halt these activities.
Your Excellency, it is important to recall that most of our forest reserves are sources of critical major rivers. Therefore, the situation is dangerously critical. As a Church, our Ecological Integrity Campaigns speak against these injustices. Besides Public Lectures and the “Red Sunday” Campaign, the PCG also uses its pulpits to highlight the crisis facing us while encouraging members to remain ecologically just. However, with these actions, more needs to be done to root out galamsey, which is a national security threat that requires urgent, sustained, and uncompromising actions.
Perennial Flooding and Long-Term Solutions: Your Excellency, the PCG extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the 34 people who lost their lives in the devastating floods that affected Accra and other parts of the country on 29th June 2026. Although the recent flooding was triggered by intense rainfall (approximately 140 mm), it was significantly worsened by environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, mismanagement of resources, and other damaging human activities.
Galamsey activities have stripped vegetation, created unstable open pits, polluted rivers, and destroyed wetlands that normally absorb excess water. These practices increase surface runoff, reduce river capacity through heavy sedimentation, and weaken the natural drainage systems. Consequently, rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, Birim and Densu overflow more easily during storms, sending large volumes of water downstream into urban areas.
Degraded landscapes upstream amplify flooding in cities that already struggle with poor drainage, waste disposal and construction on waterways. Unequivocally, illegal mining is now a major driver of Ghana’s rising flood vulnerability, turning what should be manageable rainfall events into destructive ones.
We pray that God grants comfort to the families bereaved because of the floods, and to strengthen all those who lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. The PCG commends His Excellency for establishing the National Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force and committing GH¢350 million to relief, dredging, and long-term flood prevention measures.
The PCG continues to stand in solidarity with affected communities by providing temporary shelter, pastoral care, psychosocial support, and relief assistance through Presbyterian Relief Services and Development in collaboration with congregations and partners. We respectfully urge the Government, through the National Disaster Management Organisation and other relevant agencies, to strengthen collaboration with faith-based organisations, whose extensive grassroots presence and trusted community networks can significantly enhance disaster preparedness, emergency response and long-term recovery.
LGBTQ+ Bill Passage: The PCG corroborates the call of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill to reflect both the moral convictions of the Ghanaian people and the constitutional commitment to human dignity and fundamental rights.
Indiscipline in Senior High Schools: The PCG is alarmed by reports of attacks on teachers and the rising violence and sexual assault among students in some SHS, reflecting a deeper systemic failure. This is an offshoot of the general indiscipline among the Ghanaian populace.
To address indiscipline in our schools, PCG respectfully urge the Government to expedite action on the revised partnership agreement to ensure that both the State and the Church continue to play their respective roles in providing wholistic quality education in Ghana. The realities of our time make it increasingly clear that collaboration between the state and faith-based institutions is not only desirable but essential for achieving sustainable educational outcomes. The mission institutions should not be relegated to the background.
Further, as a country we need to consider disciplinary measures in our schools to ensure that our children are trained to become responsible adults. The PCG welcomed the ban on extravagant SHS graduation celebrations and urged society to uphold modesty and humility.
Agricultural Sector – Burkina Faso Tomato Incident: The killing of seven Ghanaian tomato traders highlights Ghana’s dependence on imported tomatoes despite its abundant arable land. The PCG calls on government and the other stakeholders for investment in irrigation, modern farming, and food processing to enhance food security and reduce import dependence.
Cocoa Pricing: PCG expresses concern over the 28.6% reduction in cocoa producer prices in February 2026 and its gross impact on farmers. However, the PCG acknowledges the passage of the COCOBOD Bill of 2026, which seeks to consolidate existing laws into a single framework. The Bill, when assented to, will be expected to improve credit access to farmers, promote the local processing of cocoa, provide better support for all stakeholders within the cocoa sector, especially farmers, and prevent the sale of cocoa farms for illegal mining. There should be extensive stakeholder engagement, particularly with farmers, to ensure that the benefits go directly to cocoa farmers.
Transportation and Road Safety: Your Excellency, the PCG pleads with the government to complete the road dualisation of the Accra-Kumasi and Accra-Takoradi and the bypasses projects. The Government’s Big Push Agenda and the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway are welcome. These investments are vital for reducing travel times, lowering transportation costs, and promoting economic growth.
We urge the government to ensure strict quality assurance, value for money, and long-term durability in all infrastructure projects, particularly in light of reports of the collapse of the Sataso Bridge on the Mampong-Ejura road following recent heavy rains.
We respectfully encourage the government to prioritise the revival and expansion of the national railway network, linking major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, and Aflao. A modern rail system would reduce pressure on roads, improve intra- and inter-city mobility, lower the cost of living, support regional development, and contribute significantly to Ghana’s long-term economic transformation.
The PCG remains deeply concerned about the increasing number of fatal road traffic accidents. According to the National Road Safety Authority, Ghana recorded 2,949 road deaths in 2025, an increase from 2,494 in 2024. One serious challenge is the increasing number of alleged minors riding tricycles. Therefore, the Church calls for the strict enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519), particularly on speeding, dangerous driving, and the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles, to safeguard lives and restore safety on the roads.
The Economy: Your Excellency, the PCG commends your government for the significant efforts to restore macroeconomic stability since you assumed office in January 2025. The Ghanaian cedi has remained relatively stable against other major trading currencies. Inflation declined to 3.2% in March 2026, the lowest since August 1999 which recorded a rate of 1.3%. The cost of credit is also declining steadily. Gross international reserves reached US$14.4 billion as of May 2026, which can provide an import cover of up to 5.7 months. It is refreshing to note that Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached US$114.71 billion in year, becoming the 8th largest economy in Africa. These macroeconomic indicators show a growing economy, and the PCG commends the government’s efforts to improve our standard of living.
Ghana has completed its three‑year Extended Credit Facility Programme with the IMF, marking the 17th bailout since independence. Although this reflects efforts toward macroeconomic stability, persistent structural challenges—particularly in the energy sector, cocoa subsector, and state-owned‑ enterprises—together with import dependence, corruption, and procurement irregularities, continue to threaten economic sustainability and risk future recourse to the IMF.
The PCG acknowledges the government’s successful implementation of the programme but urges the adoption of credible, home‑grown solutions that address Ghana’s underlying economic weaknesses.
Drug Abuse: Your Excellency, for the past two years, the PCG has consistently drawn the attention of all stakeholders through our official communiqués to the alarming escalation of drug and opioid abuse across the country. A transit through Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra, at any hour, or a visit to the various informal settlements and ‘ghettos’ within our urban centres, reveals a ticking time bomb that demands immediate, collaborative intervention. As a focal point of our mission, the PCG, primarily through the Ghana Blue Cross, has dedicated over 120 years to tackling substance abuse; however, the crisis persists and evolves, strongly calling for immediate action.
The rampant misuse of marijuana and the West Africa “kush”, street drug, highly addictive and destructive, ‘Red’ (specifically Tapentadol and Carisoprodol), Tramadol, is of grave concern. The infiltration of these substances into educational institutions is real; there are reports of drug peddling at the basic, secondary, and tertiary levels, which is alarming and a matter of national security. The permission to cultivate and process therapeutic cannabis and industrial hemp in Ghana for medicinal purposes should be critically monitored and not turn into a menace.
The PCG commends the intervention of the Narcotics Control Commission for the arrest of five (5) students of one of the universities for their alleged involvement in the production and sale of cannabis edibles such as cannabis-infused ice cream, sobolo, toffees, and raw cannabis. We urgently petition the Ghana Police Service, religious bodies, and all civic stakeholders to forge a unified front in the fight against this menace. We must act decisively to safeguard the future of our youth, the primary victims of this catastrophe.
Youth Unemployment: Your Excellency, the PCG decries the worrying situation of unemployment, especially among our young people, particularly among those aged 15-35 years, which continues to hover around 22-25%, leaving many graduates and skilled workers idle despite their qualifications. This situation is not merely an economic challenge but a contributory factor to the security, moral, and spiritual challenges for young people, as the ‘devil’ keeps finding jobs for the ‘idle’ hands. Your Excellency, when our young people are denied dignified work, their hope for the future of Ghana is dimmed, and their faith in the fairness of our society is shaken.
However, the Government is commended for its efforts in reducing the 13.6% unemployment rate in 2024 to 12.8% by 2025. Additionally, the Government is commended for the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, which saw over 100 health professionals sent to work in Antigua and Barbuda and 47 to Saint Kitts and Nevis. This strategy to reduce the backlog of over 80,000 health professionals who have not been posted since their graduation, is heartwarming.
Your Excellency, the PCG also laments the growing perception that one must “know someone” before gaining employment, especially within the public sector. It is an alleged practice where the change of power in Ghana influences public-sector employment. Unfortunately, to fulfil political party promises, employment is given in sensitive positions, not because of competence but because one is associated with a political party. This practice undermines meritocracy. It fosters inequality, discourages hard work, and weakens the nation’s moral fabric. Therefore, the PCG urges the government to strengthen transparent recruitment processes, enforce accountability, and ensure that employment opportunities are based on merit and competence. By doing so, Ghana will not only reduce unemployment but also restore confidence in its institutions, allowing every citizen to contribute their God-given talents to building a just, prosperous, and God-fearing nation.
“No-Bed Syndrome in Hospitals”: Your Excellency, the PCG is deeply concerned about the persistent “no-bed syndrome” that continues to expose the systemic challenges confronting Ghana’s healthcare sector. The recent death of Charles Amissah, a 29-year-old engineer who was reportedly unable to receive timely emergency care, has once again brought national attention to the consequences of inadequate healthcare infrastructure, overcrowded facilities, and years of underinvestment in the healthcare sector in Ghana. Such preventable tragedies underscore the urgent need for sustained reforms to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to timely, quality emergency healthcare.
Your Excellency, in your February 2026 State of the Nation Address, you rightly emphasised that emergency patients should never be turned away and observed that “you do not need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient.” While the Church commends this directive and the subsequent efforts by the Ghana Health Service to strengthen emergency care, it believes that the long-term solution lies in expanding healthcare infrastructure to meet the demands of Ghana’s growing population. As a significant provider of healthcare in Ghana, the PCG calls for increased investment in the completion and expansion of public health facilities. The Church is particularly concerned that projects such as the Afari Military Hospital, La General Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity Block, Weija Children’s Hospital, and Agenda 111 hospitals have become subjects of political debate rather than national development priorities. The Government and all stakeholders should work together to complete these critical health projects promptly so that citizens can fully benefit from investments made with public resources.
Responsible Speech: Before I conclude, the PCG advises all Ghanaians to show decorum in our speech, especially some young people and irresponsible adults who take our elders and leaders to the gutter on TV, Radio, and social media. We call on the Ghanaian Parliament to discuss this issue impartially and to come up with amicable bipartisan solutions. Let us respect the elders and leaders in our society.
CONCLUSION
As the PCG approaches its celebration of 200 years, the Church is committed to building on the foundation already laid, which is Jesus Christ. The Church hopes to use its prophetic voice to draw the attention of the government and all stakeholders to address the socio-economic challenges outlined above. The PCG urges Ghanaians to show patriotic behaviour wherever they find themselves and cautions against individualism. It is unfortunate that the spirit of Ubuntu [I am, because we are] is gradually waning. We are gradually forgetting that “no one can survive in isolation.”
Your Excellency, the PCG assures the Government of our full support in addressing issues of injustice and ensuring the economic, spiritual, and moral well-being of the people of Ghana. My dear Presbyterians, let us remember to live out our values: Discipline, Hard work, Integrity, Godly leadership, humility, and other to play our part in our nation’s development.
Long Live the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
Long Live Ghana, Abetifi-Kwahu, 15th August 2026
