Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Ho, Sept. 20, GNA – Reverend Richard Mawutor Buamah, an Environmental Analyst, called on the church to collaborate with government and other stakeholders to work together to “heal the land” by planting trees towards a greener, healthier nation.
The government, he said, must also seek technical and financial support from her international partners to implement sustainable mining practices and rehabilitate damaged ecosystems.
He noted with concern that the dominion God gave to humans over His creation was not a license for reckless exploitation of the earth.
“Our God given dominion is meant to be exercised with wisdom and ensure that the earth remains fruitful to future generations,” he stated.
Rev. Buamah stated this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Ho.
He said any activity that would lead to the destruction of the ecosystem, pollution of water bodies and the devastation of the land contradicted this biblical mandate.
Rev. Buamah stated that the crisis of small-scale mining, otherwise known as “galamsey” had worsened resulting in severe environmental damage, public health concerns and economic difficulties.
“Galamsey has not only devastated land-scopes but has also poisoned water bodies, destroyed farmlands and endangered the health of countless people in several communities,” he stated.
The Environmental Analyst intimated that for Christians this crisis raised doubt of their stewardship of God’s creation.
“Is galamsey a form of caring for God’s creation or it is a curse that violates our divine mandate to protect and preserve the earth?” he asked.
Rev. Buamah said on the surface galamsey appeared to provide economic opportunities for those involved, adding that, many individuals in rural communities where formal employment opportunities were scarce turned to illegal mining as a way of making a living.
He said the impact of galamsey in the country’s environment had been catastrophic because of the mercury and other harmful chemicals used in the mining process.
“Millions of people are deprived of safe drinking water because the rivers have been rendered toxic and unsafe and also farmers lose their livelihoods because of illegal mining.
“The environmental, social and health costs far outweigh any short-term economic gains,” he said.
Rev. Buamah stated that mercury poisoning from polluted water had led to serious health issues including birth defects, neurological disorders and other long-term illnesses.
He described galamsey as “profit now, pay later” adding that galamsey was a legacy of destruction rather than an inheritance of sustainable economy and prosperity.
The Environmental Analyst advocated for skills training and alternative livelihood for those involved in galamsey.
He also called on the government to empower local communities in mining areas to take ownership of their environment and hold illegal miners accountable.
He urged churches to incorporate tree planting into their into their worship and community outreach programmes.
GNA