A former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso has called on church leaders to rally their congregations to protest the illegal mining crisis.

In an interview with Raymond Acquah on Upfront, the former General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church stressed that it was only through mass protests that the government could be compelled to take decisive action.

Despite ongoing campaigns against illegal mining, the government has yet to address the escalating crisis which is destroying water bodies, and forest reserves and threatening access to water.

Prof Frimpong Manso wants churches to join the fight starting this Sunday.

“My fellow church leaders, we are preparing people for heaven, not for deafness. We must speak the truth, even if it means facing opposition. Just as Desmond Tutu and others fought against apathy in Africa, we must confront this dire issue.

"Our nation is being destroyed, and we are heading towards national doom. I hope that this Sunday, church leaders will don red bands and participate in demonstrations, whether at the Jubilee House or elsewhere. This issue transcends electoral politics; it’s a matter of national urgency.”

In a related development, Bishop Dr. S.N. Mensah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Full Gospel Church, has called for the resignation of the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor.

He criticized Jinapor for failing to lead the fight against illegal mining. “He should resign,” said Bishop Mensah. “He has not provided the necessary leadership to address this destructive and life-threatening situation. If he couldn't solve this issue in seven years, why should the public trust him with their vote again?”.

Meanwhile, a former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong has urged President Akufo-Addo to take personal responsibility for the fight.

He warned that failing to address the crisis could define the President’s legacy negatively. “This fight must be a key part of Nana Addo’s legacy”.

“It should not be said that his administration failed to combat illegal mining effectively.”

As churches deliberate their next steps, the environmental impact of illegal mining continues to worsen.

Dr Eric Gyimah, a lecturer in the Department of Environment and Safety at the University of Mines and Energy, has warned of the severe consequences if immediate action is not taken. “We have detected toxic elements in various biomolecules, including urine and breast milk.

“The contamination of essential resources like water and soil affects us all. This issue is not confined to mining communities but it's a national concern. Farmers using polluted water for irrigation can spread contamination to crops, ultimately impacting everyone.”

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