By: Enock Ankomah
Rev. Prof. Ebenezer Yaw Blasu, Director of the Akrofi Christaller Institute of Theology, has called on Christians and church leaders in Ghana to take a leading role in addressing the country’s growing environmental crisis.
Speaking at a public lecture organised by the Global Theological Seminary on the theme, “Fostering Environmental Sustainability through Religious Advocacy,” Rev. Prof. Blasu described environmental degradation as not only a scientific and economic concern but also a moral and spiritual issue that demands urgent attention.
He identified several environmental challenges confronting the country, including plastic pollution around waterfalls and forests, electronic waste at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, noise pollution in residential communities, moral pollution, and land destruction caused by illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, unchecked environmental abuse is gradually robbing some communities of their natural beauty and tourism potential. He disclosed that his research team is currently undertaking efforts to restore a polluted waterfall and adjoining forest area with the aim of transforming it into a viable tourism destination in the future.
Rev. Prof. Blasu explained that while some ecological crises occur naturally, many environmental problems are caused by human activities through the exploitation and modification of nature.
He noted that unlike natural disasters, human-induced environmental degradation can be prevented and corrected through responsible action, scientific innovation, and the promotion of strong moral values.
The theologian further argued that climate change, pollution, species extinction, and ecosystem collapse are largely the consequences of unethical human choices that ignore humanity’s responsibility toward creation.
Using the equation “I = PLOT,” he explained that humanity’s impact on the environment is shaped by population size, lifestyle and consumption patterns, organisational structures, religious beliefs, as well as the application of science and technology.
Rev. Prof. Blasu maintained that human beings possess the moral capacity to either destroy or protect the earth through deliberate actions.
He challenged the Christian community to move beyond prayer and become more proactive in environmental stewardship.
Referring to a past media commentary by broadcaster Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, he recalled criticisms directed at church leaders who visited galamsey sites to pray only after environmental destruction had already taken place.
According to him, the criticism underscored an important biblical principle that humanity was entrusted by God to “till and keep the earth,” as stated in the Book of Genesis, but had failed in that divine responsibility through selfishness and neglect.
“The Church must take the lead because Christians were commissioned by Christ to care for creation,” he stressed, adding that environmental advocacy should not be left solely to politicians, scientists, and legal practitioners.
Rev. Prof. Blasu also expressed concern over findings from ongoing academic research suggesting that many churches and Christians in Ghana remain either unaware of or indifferent to the country’s environmental challenges.
He therefore urged churches, seminaries, and Christian organisations to intensify environmental awareness campaigns and champion sustainable practices to protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
In a related address delivered on behalf of the Guest of Honour, the Moderator of the Global Evangelical Church also called on faith-based organisations to play a central role in promoting environmental sustainability and combating environmental degradation in the country.
Speaking on the same theme, the Moderator warned that increasing deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change pose serious threats to Ghana’s future and livelihoods.
He noted that Ghana’s forest cover had declined from about 8.2 million hectares in 2000 to approximately 4.9 million hectares today, representing a loss of more than 40 percent.
According to him, the decline continues to weaken biodiversity and climate resilience while negatively affecting millions of Ghanaians who depend on natural resources for survival.
The Moderator described illegal mining activities as one of the major drivers of environmental destruction, stating that the pollution of rivers and degradation of land reflect a neglect of moral and spiritual values.
He stressed that Christians and people of faith have a divine responsibility to protect and steward the earth rather than exploit it, citing biblical references including Genesis 1:28 and Genesis 2:15.
He further stated that although religious traditions have historically promoted environmental preservation, modern-day greed, consumerism, and excessive exploitation of natural resources have contributed significantly to ecological crises.
The Moderator therefore urged churches and religious organisations to intensify advocacy on environmental stewardship through sermons, education, community projects, and policy engagement.
He also encouraged religious leaders to lead by example by promoting sustainable practices and inspiring behavioural change within their congregations.
According to him, with more than 71 percent of Ghanaians identifying as Christians, churches possess considerable moral influence that can help inspire environmental consciousness and collective action.
He emphasised that sustainable living must involve protecting, conserving, and restoring God’s creation while using natural resources responsibly.
The Moderator appealed for stronger collaboration between faith communities and environmental institutions to help reverse environmental degradation and build a healthier and more resilient Ghana for future generations.
He concluded by urging Ghanaians to embrace collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment, describing environmental stewardship as both a moral and spiritual obligation
