ACCRA: Bishop Matthew Addae-Mensah, the Founder and Leader of the Gospel Light International Church, has appealed to Ghanaians to unite in the fight against illegal mining, known locally as 'galamsey,' to protect the environment and water resources. According to Ghana News Agency, Bishop Addae-Mensah emphasized in an interview that the issue of illegal mining is not solely the responsibility of the President or the government, but requires the active participation of all citizens. He highlighted the involvement of political party members from both the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party in illegal mining activities and called for a united front to address the situation. He stressed that the degradation of water bodies affects everyone, regardless of political affiliation. The Bishop urged the government to strictly enforce existing measures against illegal mining and ensure that those apprehended face the full extent of the law. He proposed vocational training in skillful mining and lan d reclamation for the youth engaged in illegal activities, as a means to protect the environment. Bishop Addae-Mensah warned of the dangers posed by the use of cyanide and mercury in mining, which contaminate land and water, leading to health issues such as kidney failure, cancer, and birth defects. He shared his past experience in the mining sector, noting that it takes 15 years for mined land to become suitable for agriculture, thereby affecting farmers' livelihoods. To foster responsible mining practices, Bishop Addae-Mensah suggested incorporating mining education into the school curriculum from junior high to senior high school. He referenced Proverbs 22:6, advocating for moral education to guide children into becoming responsible adults.