Methodist Presiding Bishop calls for an end to “galamsey demon,” urges government action:

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, has condemned illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” as a “demon” that must be eradicated from the country. He urged the government to demonstrate greater resolve in confronting the problem, which he believes has been excessively politicized to the detriment of the nation.

Speaking to journalists at the induction of Rt. Rev. Ebenezer Popeson Adjei as the new Bishop of the Tema Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana on Sunday, Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu expressed deep concern over the continued destruction of water bodies and farmlands caused by galamsey.

He criticized politicians for promising leniency to illegal miners during election campaigns, only to abandon their commitments after taking office. He stated that such political interference has hampered the country’s ability to win the fight against galamsey.

“Any activity affecting the environment or the earth that affects our drinking water and our food must be seen as a demon that must be cast out,” Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu declared. “I suggest that the politicians should stop pampering the galamseyers.”

He called on the government to take decisive and uncompromising action against illegal mining to protect the environment for future generations.

During the induction ceremony, Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu charged Rt. Rev. Adjei to seek God’s guidance in his leadership, avoid bitterness, and build upon the legacy of his predecessors.

In his acceptance speech, Rt. Rev. Adjei expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him and pledged to serve with humility and dedication, guided by faith and a commitment to unity. He urged Ghanaians to maintain hope, depend on Christ, and work together in love, emphasizing that the nation can only progress when its people stand united beyond political or religious divisions.

The induction ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including past presiding bishops, ministers of the gospel, and family and friends of the new bishop.