By: Jones Anlimah
The Moderator of the Global Evangelical Church, Rev. Prosper Dzomeku, has urged government to sustain its vigilance in the fight against illegal mining, describing environmental destruction as an existential threat to Ghana’s survival. Rev Dzomeku’s call comes days after a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash claimed eight lives during an anti-galamsey mission in the Ashanti Region, a tragedy that has reignited debate over the risks and sacrifices involved in combating illegal mining.
Rev Dzomeku was speaking at the opening session of the Church’s 2025 synod at Ho in the volta region.
The 2025 Synod the Global Evangelical Church, themed “Preach Christ and His Second Coming”, seeks to deliberate on national, social, and church growth matters. Speaking at the opening session of the Synod in Ho, the moderator of the the church Rev. Prosper Dzomeku, paid condolences to government and familes of the victims of the crash disaster. he however commended government’s commitment to tackling galamsey and warned that the effort must not waver.
“Since the current government came into power, we have been watching with keen interest the commitment to combating illegal mining in Ghana,” he said. “We encourage the government to work out a fair system to fight with the final victory… There should be no room for complacency.”
He also called on church members to desist from practices that harm the environment, including pollution of water bodies and land degradation, and proposed innovative community measures such as offering cash incentives for plastic waste collection at funerals.
Rev. Dzomeku linked environmental protection to national security, saying it was part of preserving the country’s future. “We thank the government for its efforts against threats to our very survival as a people, but we must all take responsibility to protect the land God has entrusted to us,” he stressed.
The Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, called for stronger collaboration between church and state. He said the newly created Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs would serve as a platform for partnership in addressing national challenges, including environmental degradation.
“Government, traditional authorities, and the moral compass of our faith must work together to drive sustainable development and social transformation,” he said. “Your capacity to share knowledge, mentor the youth, and build cohesive communities aligns perfectly with our regional goals,” he added.
The Synod brought together clergy, government officials, and congregants from across the country. Prayers were said for the presidenncy, families of the crash victims and the Volta Regional Minister.
