A major highlight of the Bishop’s Charge at the Second Session of the First Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Tema was a firm and passionate condemnation of the destructive activities of small-scale illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Delivering his Charge at St. Stephen Anglican Church, the Bishop expressed deep dismay at the devastating impact galamsey continues to have on Ghana’s environment, farmlands, and water bodies. He lamented the rapid degradation of river systems and forests, describing the situation as a grave threat to national health, future generations, and the country’s economic sustainability.

“We have noted with dismay the devastating impact that small-scale galamsey is having on our environment and water bodies. We, as a Synod, join with all well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn all the people involved in these heinous and wicked operations,” the Bishop declared.

He further called on the Government to act decisively, urging the deployment of the security agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for what he termed an “atrocious and monstrous act” against the nation.

The Bishop also issued a pastoral directive to clergy and lay leaders across the Diocese, encouraging them to use their pulpits, teaching platforms, and community engagements to speak boldly on the moral, social, and ecological consequences of galamsey. He emphasized that environmental stewardship is a Christian responsibility and that the Church must play a leading role in safeguarding God’s creation.

The Bishop’s Charge, delivered within the broader Synod theme of “Expansion and Consolidation: Reappraisal of the Gains and the Strategy for the Future,” reaffirmed the Diocese’s commitment not only to spiritual mission but also to national development, justice, and environmental protection.