Stop pampering galamsey operators, pursue them - Methodist Church Presiding Bishop to government
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, has expressed concern about the galamsey menace in Ghana, which he said had been overly politicised.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the induction of Rt Rev. Ebenezer Popeson Adjei as the new Bishop of Tema Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana, last Sunday, held at the St Paul's Methodist Church Cathedral in Tema, the Presiding Bishop called on the government to stop pampering galamsey operators and to take decisive action to address the issue.
He stated that the problem of galamsey was self-inflicted, adding that politicians often promised galamsey operators relief during election campaigns, only to renege on their promises once in office.
Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu urged the government to tackle the issue with full force and to prioritise the protection of the environment for the sake of future generations.
"Any activity affecting the environment or the earth that affects our drinking water and our food must be seen as a demon that must be cast out. I suggest that the politicians should stop pampering the galamseyers," he said.
Charge
In his charge to the new bishop, Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu emphasised the importance of seeking God's guidance and presence in leadership.
He cited Exodus 33:14, where God says, "My presence will go with you", and encouraged the new Tema bishop to rely on God's wisdom and strength.
He also cautioned the new bishop of the Tema Diocese against the spirit of bitterness and complaint, noting that leaders should build on the accomplishments of their predecessors rather than criticising them.
Bishop's message
Rt Rev. Adjei, who succeeds Rt Rev. Samuel Ofori-Akyea as the new Bishop of the Tema Diocese, expressed gratitude to the conference and the Tema Diocese for the honour bestowed upon him.
He pledged to continue serving with dedication and humility, seeking God's guidance in all aspects of his ministry.
Rt Rev. Adjei emphasised the importance of hope and unity and encouraged Ghanaians to depend on Christ and to look to the cross for guidance and strength.
He also prayed for national unity, urging Ghanaians to come together as one people, one nation and one destiny.
He emphasised that divisions along political or religious lines would not promote national unity or cohesion.
Profile
Rt Rev. Adjei has had a distinguished career in the ministry, serving in various roles, including chaplain, management member, part-time lecturer, and resource person in pastoral care and counselling. He has also written or contributed to several publications on topics such as ministering to invalids, managing crises in African Christian marriages, pastoral ethics, and discipleship.
He is expected to provide spiritual leadership and guidance to the congregation and to work towards the growth and development of the church.
The ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including past presiding bishops, namely Most Rev. Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, and Most Rev. Titus Awotwe Pratt, the Administrative Bishop of the church, Rt Rev. Dr William Agyei Mpere-Gyekye, the Connexional Lay President of Conference, Kwesi Attah Antwi, ministers of the gospel and their spouses, as well as friends and family members.
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