The Ashanti Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is urging the government to tighten regulation of mining to contain illicit environmental activities.

The Church condemned the snail-paced response to the destructive practice of illegal mining, recounting its treacherous threats to health, and ecosystems.

Marking its 15th Synod, the Presbytery has dedicated its efforts to advocating against environmental harm and promoting sustainable development.

At the 15th Synod of the Ashanti Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, the Church emphasized the need for committed efforts to champion sustainability of the environment.

Acting Synod Moderator of the Ashanti Presbytery, Rev. Christopher Mawunyo-Nyonyo tasked congregants to partner organisations to battle the illegal mining menace confronting Ghana’s natural environment.

“We want to support the call on the government to ban illegal mining popularly known as “galamsey” in the country because of its destructive effects on our health, the environment and the future survival of our country and generations yet unborn.

“As Christians, it is drawn on us to speak out against injustices, such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change, and advocate for policies that protect the environment. We must also support sustainable development, the church and its congregants must partner with organisations and communities to support sustainable development projects, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture,” he said.

Singing and dancing in praises, the Ashanti Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church observed its 15th Synod at the EPCG Divine Grace Parish in Amakom under the theme; “Care for Creation; the Task and Mission of the Church”.

The theme is a wake-up call to Christians of their role in caring for God’s creation.

The church celebrated the 15th Synod bringing together its leaders and congregants across the region in reflection of its evangelical journey and duties as a church.

Rev. Mawunyo-Nyonyo espoused the theme, admonishing the congregation to be mindful of their responsibilities to God’s creation.

“The Bible is clear about our responsibility to care for creation. We are commanded to “till and keep” the garden, which means to cultivate and protect it. As Christians, we believe that creation is not just a natural resource to be exploited, but a sacred trust that has been entrusted into our care. Let's be mindful of our roles as stewards of creation and our responsibility to care for the earth and its inhabitants"

“As Christians we are called to be stewards of God’s creation to respond positively to this crisis with urgency and compassion. For the Bible teaches us that God created the world and entrusted it to our care. However, human activities have led to environmental degradation, climate change and loss of biodiversity. As a Church, we have a critical role to play in caring for God’s creation,” he said.

As part of the churches projections for the year 2025, the Presbytery Executive Council has entered into an agreement with the Principal of Evangelical Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Peki (EPTS) for training of Catechists in Kumasi for both Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Presbyteries.

Divine Grace Parish in Amakom has also released a portion of land for construction of a Presbytery Secretariat to aid regional pastoral works.