The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has raised concerns about how illegal mining, also known as galamsey, is destroying Ghana’s rivers and streams.
Speaking at the Church’s 48th General Conference on Wednesday, April 22, he said the pollution of water bodies is now affecting important church activities, especially water baptism in some mining communities.
“The extensive pollution of water bodies due to illegal mining has hampered traditional water baptism in some mining communities, necessitating a shift to synthetic rubber pools in several districts to carry out the ordinance,” he stated.
He also warned that the damage to the environment is affecting the livelihoods of many church members, especially those who depend on farming and fishing.
According to him, irregular rainfall, lower cocoa production, and the movement of fish from their usual areas are making life harder for people and affecting incomes.
“These unpredictable environmental conditions, along with the seasonal migration of fish stocks, continue to impact the steady financial growth and stability of affected local assemblies,” he said.
Despite these challenges, he said the Church continues to grow and support communities.
By the end of 2025, the Church of Pentecost had set up skills training centres in Bolgatanga and Essam to help young people learn jobs and improve their livelihoods.
The Church has also helped train apprentices by supporting skilled workers, as part of efforts to reduce unemployment.
In addition, it has built and handed over health facilities, prison camps, and other important projects to the government to support national development.
