Illegal mining poses threat to our collective sense of responsibility — Apostle Otoo

The General Overseer of The Lord’s Pentecostal Church International (TLPCI), Apostle Eric Essandoh Anim Otoo, has stressed the need for all to come together and fight the illegal mining menace, otherwise known as galamsey.

He said although efforts had been made, more needed to be done to safeguard the country’s environment from destruction.

“Across the country, signs of environmental strain are becoming increasingly evident. Rivers that once sustained life are under threat, and forests that once supported livelihoods are diminishing.

“The issue of illegal mining — commonly known as galamsey — continues to pose a serious challenge, not only to our natural ecosystems but also to our collective sense of responsibility,” Apostle Anim said when he opened the 64th General Conference of TLPCI in Accra last Thursday.

The event was on the theme: “Empowered to Transform”

Governments

Apostle Otoo said it was important to acknowledge that successive governments, including the current National Democratic Congress administration, had taken steps to tackle the problem.

Again, he said efforts had been made, and some progress had been achieved in the fight against illegal mining.

“However, there is still much more to be done to safeguard our water bodies, lands and communities.

“Many Ghanaians remain concerned about the pace and consistency of action.

The expectation is not merely for speeches or policies, but for sustained enforcement and accountability at all levels. Combating illegal mining effectively means addressing not only the activities on the ground but also confronting the networks that enable and benefit from them,” he said.

Among other things, Apostle Otoo said the galamsey issue was deeply connected to youth unemployment, which continued to be a major concern, and that with limited access to decent jobs, many young people found themselves drawn into risky or harmful ventures — often out of necessity rather than choice.

“Investing in job creation across key sectors like agriculture, technology, renewable energy, and vocational training will provide meaningful alternatives and protect our natural heritage in the process.
“Amid these challenges, we find reasons to celebrate. Ghana, our beloved country, had a peaceful election in the 2024 General Election.

This achievement comes to corroborate the truth that we are a peace-loving country. Even though we are politically polarised as a nation, we know when to apply the brakes, and for this we remain grateful to the Lord Almighty,” he emphasised.

Educational support

The Church’s educational support programme, Apostle Otoo said remained active and impactful, and that from October 2023 through to September 2025, tuition assistance was granted to 28 students in higher education, with the total disbursement reaching GH¢60,544.00.

Since its inception, he said the programme had helped 151 tertiary students access university education without the burden of tuition costs.

Education, Apostle Otoo said remained a vital foundation for personal growth and national progress and that it shaped values, built resilience, and equipped children to face the future with purpose and confidence.

“In a world of constant change, access to quality education is one of the most effective tools for uplifting both individuals and communities,” he said.

Seed

Apostle Anim said what began as a seed had grown into a thriving spirit-filled community of believers across the globe, and that “By God’s grace, the total membership of The Lord’s Pentecostal Church International (TLPCI) now stands at 27,176, up from 24,759 just a year ago.”

“As we stand at this sacred intersection—looking back with gratitude and ahead with anticipation—I am reminded that nothing we do, no matter how visible or quiet, is ever done in our own strength.

Every step we have taken as a church, every battle fought, every soul reached, every heart healed—it is all been undergirded by one truth: God has been with us,” he said.