Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso, former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed profound disappointment and concern over the resurgence of illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey’, which continues to ravage Ghana’s environment.
The renowned clergy made a passionate plea for urgent action to end what he described as a “national genocide,” warning that the consequences of the government’s failure to address the menace would extend to future generations.
“To say disappointed is underestimated. My heart is breaking. My heart is bleeding. In fact, for some time now, I haven’t been able to sleep. We are sitting on a time bomb. It is a disaster. We are committing a national genocide not only for us but for the generation yet unborn. So to say disappointment is well understatement”.
Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso, former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council
He noted that the illegal mining activities are not just an environmental crisis but a disaster of national proportions.
Galamsey: A Crisis of Institutional Failure
Rev. Prof. Manso, who led a vigorous campaign against “galamsey” during his tenure as GPCC president, criticized the government for its inability to stem the tide of illegal mining.
He stressed that both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have failed in their promises to tackle the problem, despite their political rhetoric.
Rev. Prof. Manso pointed to cases where local chiefs and even journalists have taken matters into their own hands to combat the menace, while institutions such as the police, the Minerals Commission, and other government bodies remain ineffective.
“If Otumfuo could destool 2 chiefs for involving in galamsey, and if 2 journalists can go and arrest some people and bring them to book; if a king in Eastern region can just order bulldozers to be burnt, what about those who control the police and the Mineral Commission, the minister, the DCEs, and the rest? So for me, there is complete institutional failure”.
Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso, former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council
Urging Church Leaders to Take a Stand
The former GPCC President did not spare his fellow Christian leaders, urging them to break their silence and rise to the occasion as the conscience of the nation.
“We must either keep quiet and sing together with the populace, or we speak the truth like Jeremiah and Amos,” he said, referencing biblical prophets known for their courage in condemning societal injustices.
Rev. Prof. Manso expressed frustration with the quietude of the Christian community, stating that their role should not be limited to preaching sermons and taking offerings.
He argued that the current situation calls for more than spiritual rhetoric and urged church leaders to take decisive action to defend the nation’s future.
“We might be honest and speak the truth; but people will hate us, and they will fight us. They will not understand us. But that is what Desmond Tutu and the others did to liberate South Africa from apartheid.
“What is happening now is more dangerous and deadly than apartheid. I wish even by coming Sunday, church leaders will wear red bands, go out and demonstrate, even if it is to the Jubilee House or to wherever they must go”.
Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso, former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council
He stressed that the church must not allow the impending general elections to distract them from addressing the reality of Ghana’s environmental crisis.
Galamsey’s Dire Consequences: Water Crisis and Health Risks
Rev. Prof. Manso also raised concerns about the severe environmental damage being caused by “galamsey”, particularly its impact on water resources.
He warned that Ghana Water Company has already indicated that it may soon be unable to produce water for the country due to pollution caused by illegal mining.
The clergy called attention to the gravity of the situation, declaring that the damage being done by “galamsey” is more dangerous, decrying the health risks posed by “galamsey” with waterborne diseases rising in mining areas due to contaminated water sources.
Rev. Prof. Manso reaffirmed his call to his fellow church leaders and the wider Christian community to mobilize and demonstrate against galamsey
He called for immediate action, stating that the impending elections must not overshadow the critical need to address galamsey.
“To me, this is more than elections,” he emphasized, urging church leaders to take the lead in safeguarding Ghana’s future from environmental destruction.
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