The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has called on government to adopt stronger and more effective strategies to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the 25th General Assembly meeting in Kwahu Nkwatia, Dr. Kwakye said the recent plane crash that killed eight government officials was a reminder of the urgent need to confront the menace.
He warned that illegal mining continues to poison water bodies, destroy farmlands, and endanger public health, citing rising cases of kidney disease and birth defects linked to heavy metal contamination.
Dr. Kwakye also expressed concern that galamsey is forcing children in mining communities out of school and emboldening armed groups that pose a threat to national security.
On governance, the Presbyterian Church raised alarm over growing tensions between the judiciary and the executive. Dr. Kwakye stressed that every arm of government must operate independently and free from interference to preserve public confidence in the justice system.
He further urged respect for constitutional provisions, particularly those governing the appointment and removal of Chief Justices.
