Tarkwa: The Most Reverend Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, has emphasized the need for a bipartisan approach in combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. He warned that politicizing such a crucial issue could hinder national development efforts.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Presiding Bishop made these remarks during his five-day working visit to the Tarkwa Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana. He expressed his concerns about the environmental devastation caused by galamsey activities, urging for a balanced approach to ensure both government effectiveness and environmental protection.

The cleric criticized politicians, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for failing to deliver on their promises to address the galamsey issue. He advocated for the formation of a cross-party committee to tackle the menace for the sake of future generations.

Highlighting the church’s mission, Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu underscored the importance of nurturing members spiritually while addressing their material needs. He pointed out the challenges posed by galamsey, including the scarcity of clean water and its impact on communal hygiene.

The Presiding Bishop lauded Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Dua Dodd and his team from the Tarkwa Diocese for their water production project, which aims to provide clean drinking water and generate revenue for other initiatives. He noted the significance of such projects in building a strong foundation for a prosperous nation.