Several members of Ghana’s clergy have voiced deep concern over the nation’s worsening environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, warning that the country is losing far more than just land and trees.

They caution that rivers contaminated by mercury, cyanide, and other toxic chemicals are now threatening the health of populations well beyond mining communities as the pollutants seep into food and water systems.

Speaking to Class News correspondent Samuel Addo at this year’s Camo-Glo Citizen Award and Ordination ceremony, Ambassador Archbishop David Kwetey expressed disappointment at what he described as the lackadaisical attitude of national leaders toward combating illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

According to him, the fight has been heavily politicised, with opposing parties exploiting it for political advantage instead of pursuing a unified national approach.

“The forest reserves and water bodies are being destroyed day by day, yet political actors are busy blaming each other.

At this rate, there’s no glimpse of victory in sight,” Archbishop David Kwetey lamented.

He called for a national discourse on the galamsey menace, urging government, opposition parties, traditional leaders, and civil society to come together to design a sustainable and depoliticised strategy to save the country’s natural resources.

Meanwhile, Apostle Dr. Edward Ofori Nti, founder of the Camo-Glo Impact Citizen Awards, emphasised the importance of celebrating and rewarding outstanding Ghanaians while they are alive.

He explained that the award scheme seeks to recognise individuals making meaningful contributions to society.

“Ghana hardly acknowledges its heroes until they pass on,” Dr. Ofori Nti said, citing the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka as an example of a visionary whose contributions deserved greater recognition during his lifetime.

In a related comment, Apostle Moses Tano, Head Pastor of Christ For All Mission Church, raised concerns about the growing culture of disrespect among the youth.

He blamed the trend partly on the conduct of some politicians, who, he said, often resort to insults on traditional and social media platforms.

“Politicians are hailed for attacking their opponents, and young people are learning from that.

It’s eroding the values of respect and discipline that once defined our society,” he cautioned.

The clergy collectively called on government, the media, and community leaders to take urgent steps to restore moral discipline, protect Ghana’s environment, and safeguard the country’s future.