The Bishop of the Obuasi Diocese of the Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Baffour Asamoah Agyei has said Ghana risks importing water for domestic and industrial uses if galamsey activities go unchecked.
According to him, the country was gradually losing the fight against galamsey as our water bodies, rich farmlands and forests continue to suffer degradation and destruction.
Speaking at the 29th Annual Synod of the Church at the Wesley Cathedral in Obuasi, the Bishop stated, “the future is bleak and I will not be surprised if Ghana begins to import water for our domestic and industrial uses in the not too distant future.
“Once the galamsey fight has been politicised, I am afraid the battle is already lost. We shall all live to regret this and pay dearly for it, if we sacrifice fighting this menace on the altar of politics,” he said.
The Methodist Prelate further stated,” I call on the President, our Chiefs and Political leaders to rise up and defend the nation for the sake of our children”.
Touching on LGBTQ+, Bishop Asamoah Agyei said he had been reliably informed that the President would sign the Bill when Parliament passes it and added that Ghanaians would not forgive the President if he refuses to sign it, as happened in the last administration.
On the crisis in the cocoa sector, the Diocesan Bishop noted that there was an urgent need for Government to strengthen engagement with farmers and intensify education on key issues confronting the cocoa industry especially pricing.
He urged the government to ensure that adequate funds are made available for all year cocoa purchases.
According to him, delays in payment or limited purchasing windows create financial strain for farmers as it is currently happening, forcing them to resort to distress sales.
“A well-funded and efficient purchasing system will guarantee prompt payments, stabilise farmers’ incomes and restore confidence in the cocoa marketing system”, the Bishop added.
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi
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