Prof. Frimpong-Manso says fight against galamsey must start from homes, churches and schools
Rev Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, a former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has stressed that efforts to tackle illegal mining must start from key moral and educational foundations — the pulpit, the classroom, and the home. He described the galamsey problem as both a spiritual and moral breakdown fueled by greed, poor law enforcement, and a general erosion of societal values.
He argued that the ongoing destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves for personal gain is sinful and contradicts God’s instruction for humanity to “till and keep” the earth.
“Ghana must embrace ethical leadership, community responsibility and spiritual renewal,” said the Founder of the Frimpong-Manso Institute during a virtual environmental conference hosted by IGER Africa on Friday, December 5. The event focused on the theme, ‘Navigating the Challenges of Illegal Mining in Ghana: Impact on Individuals, Communities, Health and Policy.’
Citing scripture, Rev Prof. Frimpong-Manso reminded participants that, “The earth is the Lord’s, and we will give an account of how we treated the land.”
He expressed concern about what he called the rising fixation on fast wealth, noting that it has become deeply entrenched in the national psyche.
“The desire to get rich quickly with minimal effort has taken deep root in the hearts of many. Young people see images of overnight wealth and are tempted to risk their lives in abandoned pits and polluted rivers,” he said.
Rev Prof. Frimpong-Manso also criticized certain businesspeople, traditional leaders, and public officials, saying some of them — despite being expected to uphold integrity — are complicit in the illegal mining trade through bribery, unlawfully acquired concessions, or by simply refusing to act.
“In many rural communities, opportunities for decent work are limited. When young people are confronted with a choice between slow, uncertain income from farming and quick cash from galamsey, the temptation is strong. Poverty does not excuse wrongdoing, but it does make people more vulnerable,” he added.
