Mr. Emmanuel Ohene Atiemo, Chairman of Development and Social Services at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Redemption Congregation in Tema, has emphasized the critical role of Christians in environmental protection, framing it as a divine mandate rather than just an ecological concern.
Speaking at the church’s Health Week celebration themed “Celebrating Our Heritage: Persisting in Mission, Promoting Healthy Lifestyle and Sustainable Environment,” Mr. Atiemo highlighted that the natural world is a sacred gift entrusted to humanity by God. He urged believers to take active responsibility in safeguarding this creation through practical and sustainable actions.
“Christians are called not only to spiritual renewal but also to champion care for the environment,” Mr. Atiemo remarked. He encouraged practices such as tree planting, preserving wetlands, and managing waste responsibly, while warning against harmful behaviors like open burning and unchecked plastic pollution that degrade God’s creation.
The church leader linked environmental neglect directly to public health crises, noting that up to 80 percent of outpatient cases for diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis A stem from poor sanitation and environmental pollution.
Beyond individual action, Mr. Atiemo called for collective efforts to confront larger environmental issues facing Ghana, including illegal mining, rampant deforestation, land degradation, and climate change. He stressed that addressing these challenges requires unity within communities and faith groups to protect both the planet and the wellbeing of society.
By connecting faith with ecological responsibility, the Presbyterian Church’s message reinforces a growing awareness among religious organizations that environmental stewardship is integral to holistic mission work and the preservation of future generations.
