The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has urged the Christian Council of Ghana to use its pulpit and nationwide network to lead the fight against environmental degradation.
Ayariga made the call on Friday, September 4, 2026 in his keynote address to the Christian Council of Ghana, during the launch of its Second Ecumenical Convention held at the Baptist International Worship Centre at Abelemkpe, Accra.
It was his first official public engagement since assuming office. He was reacting to the massive heap of waste at Agbogbloshie, which he described as reaching the height of a ten-storey building and outlined plans to evacuate the decades-old accumulation of waste at Jamestown. He called for the support of the Christian Council of Ghana in the evacuation exercise.
According to the Minister, the scale of environmental challenges confronting the country, notably, from poor sanitation and waste accumulation to deforestation and climate change, requires the moral authority and grassroots reach of the church.
“As you launch this second ecumenical convention, I urge the Christian Council of Ghana to continue and intensify its efforts in championing environmental awareness campaigns across congregations and communities,” he told the gathering.
He outlined four key areas where the Council can drive national transformation. These include championing environmental awareness, mobilising the youth for climate action and sustainable livelihoods, partnering with government and the private sector on sanitation, afforestation, waste management and renewable energy, and promoting unity, peace and ethical leadership.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs specifically charged the church to make young people the vanguard of climate action, noting that churches are uniquely placed to organise and inspire youth for environmental protection.
The immediate-past Majority Leader said the government alone cannot win the battle against environmental degradation and called for broad partnerships.
“It is important to mobilise the youth for climate action, environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, partnering with the government, the private sector, civil society and development partners in sanitation, afforestation, waste management and renewable energy initiatives is the way to go,” he said.
The Minister also made a passionate appeal to the private sector, civil society organizations, women’s groups, traditional authorities and all citizens to rally behind the Christian Council of Ghana to expand its environmental and social programmes.
“Its vision of unity, of peace, of ethical leadership and creation care requires the collective strength and commitment of partners who believe in the transformation of our society,” he said.
He added, “let us, therefore, lend our resources, our expertise, networks and influence to ensure that the council’s programs are not only sustained but also expanded to reach every corner of our nation”.
The former majority leader noted that when the Christian Council of Ghana succeeds, the moral fibre of the nation is strengthened and the foundations for sustainable development are secured.
“When the council succeeds, Ghana succeeds. When the council is supported, the moral fibre of our society is strengthened,” he stressed.
He tied the message to biblical stewardship, saying: “Unity is our strength and stewardship is our responsibility. When we are united in Christ, we can transform society. When we care for creation, we honour the Creator.
Concluding, Ayariga commended the Christian Council of Ghana for its continued commitment to the spiritual, moral, social and environmental transformation of our nation,” he added, assuring the Council of government’s support.
Earlier in the day, Mahama Ayariga paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, to thank him for his support during his appointment, vetting and swearing-in as the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
He also called for the Chief Imam’s support and blessings to enable him steer the affairs of the ministry.
By: Stephen Larbi
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