By Isaac Arkoh, GNA
Cape Coast, April 20, GNA – Right Reverend Richardson Aboagye Andam, Bishop of the Cape Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, has made a clarion call to all Ghanaians to turn away from the triple scourge of illegal mining, corruption, and unscrupulous profiteering.
He warned that such vices were not mere personal failings, but formidable threats undermining the very soul of the nation.
Delivering his sermon on the theme: “Christ’s victory over death,” at a Church Service to mark the celebration of Easter at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral in Cape Coast, Bishop Andam who is also the Central Regional Chairman of the National Peace Council said: Illegal mining or “galamsey,” remained an existential threat.
he said illegal mining had ravaged Ghana’s lush landscapes, poisoned rivers, stripped forests and left once-fertile lands barren.
This exploitation, if left unchecked, would not only devastate the environment but shatter rural livelihoods, drive the youth from acquiring education and expose communities to toxic substances like mercury and arsenic.
“We need to help the government to reset Ghana for our mutual gain. The menace of illegal mining if left unchallenged, will have dire consequences such as water shortage, collapse of agriculture and irreversible loss of biodiversity.”
On corruption, Bishop Andam said it had siphoned billions from the public purse, perpetuating poverty, and eroding trust in institutions.
For him, corruption was a silent predator that had kept ordinary citizens in cycles of deprivation, while a privileged few profited at the expense of the nation.
Bishop Andam regretted the news of some drivers and traders in Kwahu cashing in on Easter festivities with price hikes and described the practice as unnecessary profiteering, driven by greed and further widening the gap between the rich and the poor, stifling hope and fuelling social unrest.
Bishop Andam’s message, both a warning and a beacon of hope, urged every Ghanaian to reject these destructive practices and embrace integrity, stewardship, and justice to reclaim its glory, safeguard its natural treasures, and build a future where prosperity was shared by all.
Bishop Andam also urged all Ghanaians to prioritise peace and harmony, essential for attracting investment and fostering sustainable development and cautioned against acts that could derail national unity.
“Let us set aside our disparities, conflicts, and animosities by regarding one another as kin, remembering that Ghana serves as the gateway to Africa and a symbol of peace.
“Therefore, let us abstain from violence to further solidify our democratic reputation in Africa,” he noted and encouraged citizens to embrace values of transparency, fairness, and accountability, and unite to maintain the peace that has been central to Ghana’s stability and growth.
Touching on the essence of Easter, Bishop Andam described as unfortunate the increasing immorality and commercialisation of Easter which was overshadowing the spiritual significance of the suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that had brought victory to all.
He emphasised that Easter was a time for Christians to reflect on the suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that has brought joy and victory to all.
As Christian faithful, he said, “we need to focus on the core message of Easter spiritual renewal, gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, and the hope of new life.
“The season should strengthen our faith, foster unity, and show compassion to others, rather than allowing economic activities to dominate the festivities.”
At St Francis DeSales Cathedral, Most Rev Palmer Buckle, Archbishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Catholic Church said the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the foundational event of the Christian faith, symbolising His triumph over death and sin, and offering believers hope of eternal life.
He said the father of Christians was validated by the core Christian belief that Jesus died for humanity’s sins and rose again, completing God’s redemptive work.
To him: “Easter commemorates this victory, marked by the empty tomb and angelic proclamation, affirming Christ’s power over death.”
“Biblical victory extends beyond earthly struggles to the promise of eternal life, encouraging believers to deepen their relationship with God.
“Ultimately, Christ’s resurrection is the source of Christian hope, inspiring faith, love, and continual praise of the risen Lord,” he noted.
GNA
AT/KOA