The menace of illegal mining has become a topical issue of late due to its negative consequences of destruction to water bodies, forest reserves and the environment in some parts of the country.

She made the call when she addressed the opening of the 15th extraordinary Council Meeting of the Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region.

The meeting was on the theme ‘I am an example of Christ in my generation’.

Education

About a fortnight ago, the Chief Justice dedicated 14 courts to deal with all mining offences under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act 900).

Mrs Justice Wood said the church must educate its members on the evil effects of illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’ on the present and future generations.

“We must understand that we are stewards of the environment and the Lord expects us to manage all that he has entrusted in our care responsibly and dutifully. We protect and defend our natural resources against waste and degradation,” she said.

Christianity, she said, was meaningless if Christians could not lead productive lives which positively impacted and transformed lives and the society.

"We must embrace the modesty, incorruptible and disciplined lifestyle, selflessness and love for the righteous deeds as Christ,” she added.

She urged church leaders to endeavour to raise godly men and women who were determined to defy the odds and remain true to God.

Commendation

She commended the Church of Pentecost for its contribution to the nation in the area of education, health care and many others and encouraged the church to do more.

She said the church must continue to partner the government to meet both moral and physical needs of the citizenry.

“The country desperately needs men and women who do not only profess to be Christians but those who are true examples of Christ,” she said.

According to Mrs Justice Wood, the daily reports of unwholesome conduct and the rise in vices reported by the media should be a source of embarrassment and a matter of concern to all Christians.

Chairman of COP

Speaking on the theme, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, said Christians were ambassadors of Christ and must lead exemplary lives in every aspect of their lives.

He urged Christians to be patriotic and contribute to the growth of the nation saying "we must work to free ourselves from economic slavery." 

Apostle Prof. Onyinah said: "A true example of Christ is a true and patriotic citizen of his or her nation. Christ set the example of obeying the laws of the land by giving to Caesar what belonged to Caesar and to God what belonged to God."