Accra, March 25, GNA – The Christian Council of Ghana has called for urgent and coordinated national action against illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey, warning that the practice continues to pose a serious threat to forest reserves and water bodies.
In a statement signed and issued by Reverend Cyril Fayose, the General Secretary, to mark the International Day of Forests and World Water Day, the Council expressed concern over the near 60 percent of Ghana’s water bodies polluted due to illegal mining, improper waste disposal, and agricultural runoff.
The International Day of Forests, established by the United Nations General Assembly, was commemorated on March 21 on the theme: “Forests and Economies,” highlighting the vital role forests play in economic growth beyond timber production.
The statement said the destruction of natural resources undermined both livelihoods and long-term national development, it said.
“The wanton destruction of our forests and water bodies must be seen as a moral issue that requires immediate and collective action,” it said.
“All citizens must rise to protect these God-given resources for present and future generations.”
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), about 1.6 billion people worldwide depend on forests for their livelihoods, with millions employed in conservation, research, and ecotourism.
The Christian Council noted that forests not only provided economic benefits but also protected watersheds and prevented soil erosion, thereby supporting agriculture and food security.
It warned, however, that Ghana continued to lose approximately 135,000 hectares of forest annually, largely due to illegal activities.
“Forest resources are economic resources, which must be exploited sustainably to promote socio-economic development,” the statement said.
“We must intensify efforts to halt the alarming rate of deforestation.”
The statement commended government-led reforestation initiatives such as Green Ghana Day, Tree for Life, Make Ghana Green Month, and One Child, One Tree.
It, however, urged the authorities and stakeholders to adopt more sustained and coordinated strategies to safeguard the environment.
On World Water Day, observed on March 22, the Council highlighted the global water crisis, noting that about 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water.
This year’s theme: “Water and Gender,” therefore, underscores the link between water access and gender equality, particularly the disproportionate burden borne by women and girls.
The campaign, led by UNICEF and UN Women, draws attention to systemic inequalities that limit access to clean water and sanitation.
The Council condemned harmful practices such as the dumping of mercury and cyanide into rivers, discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste, and the use of hazardous agrochemicals, all of which contribute to water pollution and health risks.
“Water is life,” it said, adding that: “When the last tree dies, the last man dies.”
The Council urged the Christian community and the broader public to treat environmental stewardship as a civic and moral responsibility, stressing that “protecting our forests and water resources is one of the surest ways to accelerate Ghana’s socio-economic development.”
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe