A renowned lecturer, author, and preacher, Rev. Dr Emmanuel Kwasi Amoafo, has urged the church to collaborate more proactively with the government to address Ghana’s illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.

He emphasized the church’s potential role in providing sustainable solutions through advocacy, regulation, and intervention.

In an interview on Channel One TV, on Monday, September 30, Rev. Dr. Amoafo stressed the importance of raising awareness.

He called on religious leaders to use their platforms to educate Ghanaians, particularly those involved in illegal mining, on the critical need to safeguard the environment and preserve natural resources, especially water bodies.

“The church should approach this in two ways: first, by teaching the general public from the pulpit about our God-given responsibility to care for the environment. Secondly, by engaging with the government, because the government holds the church in high regard. In a country like Ghana, where almost everyone attends church, the church has influence. The church should work closely with the government to ensure proper regulation and offer viable alternatives for those affected by the changes.”

He also called for the church to set aside political differences and unite in the fight against illegal mining, stressing that “division within the church is a failure of its theological mandate. As Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us, the church is called to be the salt and light of the world. If we are too divided to fulfill that role, we are failing.”

Rev. Dr. Amoafo further encouraged the church to pray for divine guidance in the 2024 general elections, seeking God’s wisdom in selecting a leader who will promote peace, justice, and righteousness.

“Regardless of denomination, whether Pentecostal or mainline, the church should unite in prayer, asking God to prevent bloodshed, violence, and discord. We must seek His chosen leader for our nation at this critical time.”