The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, has called for urgent and decisive action to address the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to devastate Ghana’s environment and communities.
Speaking during the church’s end-of-year Christmas message at a press briefing in Accra, the Bishop lamented the destruction of water bodies, farmlands, and natural resources caused by galamsey activities, emphasizing that the issue transcends politics and requires collective effort.
“The practice is destroying the environment, including water bodies, and we must all work together to tackle this issue head-on. This is not just about politics; it’s about the future of our country and the generations to come,” he stated.
The Plight of Street Children
In addition to galamsey, Most Rev. Asamoah-Gyadu expressed deep concern over the increasing number of children engaged in street hawking. He described the situation as “heartbreaking” and called on the President elect to take immediate steps to address the problem.
“It is heartbreaking to find children who otherwise must be in school peddling all kinds of goods at traffic signals, putting not just their future in danger but also their lives,” he said.
Responsible Prophecies and Church Leadership
Turning to the role of the church, Most Rev. Asamoah-Gyadu admonished pastors and prophets to exercise restraint in their declarations during the upcoming 31st December Watch Night services. He warned against fear-mongering and public humiliation through irresponsible prophecies, describing such actions as unbiblical and harmful.
“If you do that, the name the Bible gives you is a false prophet. Even if the prophecy may be true, it must be guided by wisdom,” he cautioned.
He encouraged church leaders to use their platforms to offer messages of hope and redemption while respecting the dignity of individuals. “God reveals for redemption. As we go through our Watch Night services, we admonish pastors and prophets to refrain from instilling fear into people and exploiting their insecurities,” he added.
Reflections on the 2024 Elections
Commenting on the December 7 general elections, the Bishop commended the Electoral Commission for conducting a generally successful election, despite some disturbances. He praised Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for his quick concession, describing it as a “lesson in democracy.”
“I was very impressed that long before the official results were declared, the presidential candidate of the NPP conceded very quickly. That is what it should be. When you accept to participate in a democratic process, you must also accept the fact that you can either win or lose,” he said.
The Presiding Bishop urged both winners and losers in the elections to work together for the common good, stating that what Ghanaians desire most is improved living conditions and a united front to address the nation’s challenges.
Methodist Church at 190
Looking forward, Most Rev. Asamoah-Gyadu announced that the Methodist Church Ghana will celebrate its 190th anniversary in 2025. He revealed that the church would roll out a series of activities to mark the milestone, including prayers for the nation and its leaders.
He concluded by urging Ghanaians to use their God-given talents to build a better country. “We must put our efforts together and ensure that in whatever capacity we are called to serve—civil and public sectors, parliament, and church—we give our best to move the country forward,” he said.
As Ghanaians celebrate the festive season, the Presiding Bishop’s message serves as a call to action, urging citizens to reflect on critical issues such as galamsey and streetism while working collectively to create a peaceful and prosperous Ghana.
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