Reverend Professor Kwamena Sagoe, Priest Assistant at the Saint Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church in Dansoman, has urged Ghanaians to unite beyond political lines to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing it as a national crisis that demands collective moral and civic responsibility.
Speaking at the launch of the church’s 50th Anniversary celebration in Accra, Rev. Prof. Sagoe said the fight against galamsey had been weakened by partisan interference and self-interest, warning that unless the issue was addressed in a non-political, united manner, Ghana risked irreversible environmental destruction.
“It is time to take the political tag off galamsey completely,” he stated. “This issue affects all of us — our water, our farmlands, our children’s future. We can only win if political parties, civil society organisations, and citizens join hands to fight one common cause rather than fight for votes.”
Rev. Prof. Sagoe emphasised that the illegal mining menace had become more of a political bargaining tool than an environmental concern, making it difficult for the country to achieve meaningful progress. He called for a national consensus that places the environment above political expediency.
The call came during the launch of St. Augustine Anglican Church’s golden jubilee celebration, themed “Called to Love, Serve and Share; The Great Commission Continues…”
Reflecting on the church’s five decades of service, Rev. Prof. Sagoe commended its founding members for their devotion and sacrifice since its establishment on May 23, 1976, with only 35 congregants. Over the years, he said, the church had contributed significantly to national development through the public service of its members and its community outreach programmes.
He urged the current generation, particularly the youth, to uphold the legacy of service, adding that the church’s future growth depends on continuous investment in the younger generation. “If a church wants to grow, it has to invest in its youth and its people — each group has different needs, and we must meet them,” he noted.
Mr. Samuel Victor Quao, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, announced that activities marking the 50th anniversary will include evangelism, social and charity projects, and fundraising towards the construction of an events centre. The church also plans to support the Dansoman Polyclinic — its first meeting place — as part of its community outreach efforts.
Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, a Supreme Court Judge and daughter of one of the church’s founders, encouraged members to remain faithful to the church’s core mission of leading souls to Christ. “That is the foundation on which this church was built,” she said, urging members to continue that legacy.
The celebration, which marks half a century of faith, service, and community impact, also served as a platform for a renewed call to moral leadership and national unity in addressing Ghana’s environmental challenges.
