The Right Reverend Samuel Ofori-Akyea, Tema Diocesan Bishop, made the call at the synod, stressing the need to set aside political differences in order to tackle the menace and safeguard the nation for future generations.

“I am very afraid that if we don’t stop some of these things, especially galamsey, the nation will suffer; everybody will suffer,” Rt. Rev. Ofori-Akyea said. “We need to act urgently, and I pray that this time we don’t make it a political issue.”

He emphasized that Ghanaians must think positively, work together, and unite in the fight against galamsey, which he described as essential to preserving the country’s future.

Rt. Rev. Ofori-Akyea noted that environmental concerns were also important to the church, as the well-being of the nation directly affected the church and its mission. While the church would continue to pray for the country, he urged all citizens to take practical action to address national issues.

Highlighting the diocese’s initiatives, the Bishop said they had intensified their commitment to environmental stewardship through sanitation campaigns and tree-planting exercises across their circuits.

He underlined the importance of sanitation, urging religious organisations, especially churches, to promote cleanliness, proper waste management, and access to safe water.

Tree planting, he said, remains a key focus of the Methodist Church’s climate action and social responsibility efforts. He explained that the diocese, through its social services coordinating office, had integrated tree planting into its environmental ministry.

“Tree planting is not just an ecological gesture but a spiritual act of obedience,” he added. “Let us preserve the environment and leave a legacy of hope and life for generations to come.”

Mr. Robert Andrew Taylor, Lay Chairman of the Tema Diocese, said the church had rolled out leadership programmes to prepare and equip the youth to take up leadership roles in the future.

He stated that the Tema Diocese currently has 13 circuits, with plans to add six more, creating the need for more young people to step into leadership positions. Mr. Taylor noted that the youth were frequently engaged in leadership activities, particularly because of their familiarity with emerging technologies.

He added that the various youth programmes organised by the church helped steer young people away from social vices such as drug abuse, and that the institution would continue to pray with them and encourage moral living.