The Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA) has revealed that illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, is severely disrupting its ability to baptize new converts. The pollution of Ghana’s rivers and other water bodies due to galamsey activities has created significant challenges for the Church in its soul-winning mission, which traditionally involves baptizing members in natural bodies of water.
Pastor Edward Nyarkoh, the Executive Secretary of the Northern Ghana Union of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, expressed the Church’s frustration over the ongoing environmental destruction. He explained that the Church has been forced to create its own stream for baptism ceremonies as a result of the heavy contamination of rivers by illegal mining.
“Galamsey has come to destroy all the water bodies. So it is also affecting our baptism. Previously, we were baptizing in rivers, but nowadays, all the water bodies are contaminated,” Pastor Nyarkoh lamented.
In an effort to continue its mission, the Church has taken the unusual step of constructing a controlled stream specifically for baptism purposes. This allows them to carry on their religious practices without risking contamination for both the individuals being baptized and the pastors officiating the ceremonies. Pastor Nyarkoh noted that this change was necessary to ensure the safety and purity of the baptismal process, which is a key part of the Church’s spiritual work.
Illegal mining has become a national concern, not just for religious institutions like the SDA Church, but for many other groups and citizens across the country. The environmental toll has been staggering, with numerous rivers and water bodies rendered unsafe for drinking, farming, and now religious activities like baptism. The devastation of natural resources has triggered widespread calls for urgent action to stop galamsey operations and restore the environment.
In recent months, there has been a growing demand for the government to intervene and put an end to illegal mining. Various organizations, civil society groups, and individuals have voiced their concerns over the long-term impact of galamsey on both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. Many have argued that the continued destruction of water bodies could have irreversible consequences, affecting not only Ghana’s natural resources but also its social and cultural practices, as evidenced by the SDA Church’s predicament.
Taking these demands a step further, Organized Labour has announced plans to intensify its campaign against illegal mining with a nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday, October 10. This strike is aimed at pressuring the government and its agencies to take decisive action to end the galamsey menace. Organized Labour, representing a broad coalition of workers’ groups, has expressed frustration with what it perceives as the slow and ineffective response of the authorities in addressing the issue.
The strike has garnered significant attention, as it highlights the widespread impact of galamsey on various sectors of society. While the focus of the strike is on environmental protection, the underlying message is that illegal mining is affecting every aspect of life in Ghana, from the economy to the health of its citizens, and now even the religious practices of its people.
For the SDA Church, the effects of galamsey are particularly painful. Baptism is a central rite in Christianity, symbolizing the spiritual cleansing and rebirth of believers. With rivers now contaminated, the Church’s ability to perform this sacred ritual in its traditional form has been severely compromised.
The situation in Ghana has reached a tipping point, with many hoping that the combined pressure from civil society, religious organizations, and now Organized Labour will compel the government to act swiftly. The pollution of rivers is not just an environmental issue—it is a crisis that cuts across all aspects of life, including religion, public health, and agriculture.
Pastor Nyarkoh’s remarks underscore the gravity of the problem: “Therefore, that has resulted in this church to build this baptism, so that all those who have been baptised and all pastors who have been officiating will not be contaminated.” His words reflect the lengths to which religious organizations like the SDA Church have had to go in order to maintain their spiritual practices in the face of environmental degradation.
As the strike date approaches, all eyes will be on the government’s response. Will it heed the calls to take strong action against illegal mining? For now, organizations like the Seventh-Day Adventist Church are left to adapt to the harsh realities caused by galamsey, making efforts to preserve their traditions while advocating for a cleaner and safer environment.
The fight against illegal mining is not just about protecting rivers; it is about safeguarding the very fabric of Ghanaian society. From religious practices to public health, the impacts of galamsey are far-reaching, and unless decisive action is taken, the damage may become permanent.
