By James Amoh Junior
Nsuta (Ash), Nov. 16, GNA – The Anglican Church of Ghana has called for a renewed national commitment to protecting the environment, safeguarding public safety, and strengthening ethical governance as the country navigates complex social, economic, and security challenges.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 4th Provincial Synod of the Anglican Church (Internal Province of Ghana), held in Nsuta in the Ashanti Region.
The Synod brought bishops, clergy, and lay delegates under the theme: “Reigniting Oneness in Mission, Ministry and Presence in the Ghanaian Anglican Context.”
In the communiqué signed by the Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Cyril Ben-Smith, the Church said it remained committed to fostering authentic Christian discipleship rooted in unity, mission, and national development.
It stressed that renewed spiritual formation, accountability, and commitment to service were essential for shaping a morally grounded society.
The Synod urged all Anglicans across the country to deepen their dedication to building mission-minded and Christ-centered communities whose values reflect the transformative power of the Gospel.
On environmental protection, the Church said the ongoing degradation of forests, water bodies, and other natural resources demanded urgent national action.
It called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and allied agencies to intensify measures aimed at conserving and restoring Ghana’s ecological systems, noting that stewardship of creation was a sacred duty owed to future generations.
It urged citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles and refrain from practices that endangered the environment, adding that issues such as reckless disposal of waste and misuse of natural resources continued to compromise the health of communities nationwide.
Addressing the persistent challenge of illegal mining (galamsey), the Synod expressed grave concern about the severe destruction of farmlands, rivers, and forest reserves. While commending government’s efforts so far, the Church said more decisive, transparent, and sustained action was needed to root out the menace.
It called for strengthened multi-stakeholder collaboration, including traditional authorities, security agencies, civil society, and faith-based organisations, to safeguard the nation’s natural heritage.
On matters of national security and the integrity of state institutions, the Synod emphasized the need for all public agencies to uphold professionalism, impartiality, and the rule of law.
It called for peaceful resolution of internal conflicts, particularly those fuelled by chieftaincy and land disputes, which continue to threaten social cohesion and community stability.
The Church expressed deep condolences to families of victims who lost their lives in the recent stampede during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise.
It said the tragedy raised serious concerns about public safety and urged responsible agencies to put in place robust preventive measures for future recruitment processes to avoid recurrence.
“This incident calls for thorough reflection and improved protocols to protect human life,” the communiqué stated, stressing that national institutions must always prioritise the safety and dignity of citizens.
On the fight against corruption, the Anglican Church reaffirmed its support for ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability mechanisms across the public sector.
It urged all public officers to act with integrity and called for the exposure and prosecution of corrupt practices without fear or favour.
The Synod encouraged churches and other faith communities to intensify value-based education, particularly among the youth, to promote honesty, transparency, and good citizenship.
Touching on the state of health and education, the Church appealed to the government to prioritize investment in these sectors, noting that quality healthcare and accessible education remained essential foundations for inclusive national development.
It urged continuous reforms that would enhance equity, efficiency, and service delivery for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
The Synod reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to working with government, civil society organisations, and citizens to advance peace, justice, and prosperity.
“The Anglican Church of Ghana pledges its continued partnership in building a just, peaceful, and prosperous nation under God,” it said, calling on all Ghanaians to remain steadfast in unity, faith, and integrity.
The 4th Provincial Synod ended with a renewed pledge by the Church to champion spiritual growth, social responsibility, and national cohesion in response to emerging challenges facing the country.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie