Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has called on Christians to intensify prayers for the protection and restoration of Ghana’s water bodies and farmlands, warning that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, poses a serious threat to the country’s future food security.
According to the renowned preacher, the continued pollution of water bodies through illegal mining could eventually affect the fertility of the land and the ability of farmers to produce sufficient food for the population.
Speaking during a church service, Archbishop Duncan-Williams urged the congregation to pray for the healing of Ghana’s rivers, streams and lands, stressing that the consequences of environmental degradation may not be immediately visible but could become increasingly difficult to reverse.
“Let’s pray concerning the healing of our water bodies and the land, that our water bodies and our land will not be poisoned,” he said.
The Archbishop expressed concern that the effects of environmental destruction could have serious consequences for future generations, particularly children and grandchildren who would inherit the country’s natural resources.
He therefore called for spiritual intervention to prevent what he described as forces and interests contributing to the destruction of the environment.
He said the situation required collective concern rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to politicians and government officials.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams also linked the destruction of water bodies and farmland to the potential emergence of food shortages in Ghana and other African countries.
He urged Christians to pray specifically for the agriculture sector and the Minister of Agriculture, asking that the country would not experience food shortages as a result of environmental degradation.
“We need to also pray for our agriculture sector and for the Minister of Agriculture. We need to pray that there will be no food shortage in our land,” he said.
Although Ghana remains his primary concern, he extended the prayer to other African countries, including Togo, Nigeria, Benin, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
The Archbishop warned that if the degradation of agricultural land continues unchecked, there could come a time when farmers struggle to cultivate crops successfully because of damage to the soil and water resources.
He painted a picture of a future in which contaminated water and land could undermine agricultural productivity and create serious challenges for food production.
A major concern raised by the Archbishop was the potential health implications of pollution associated with illegal mining, particularly the use of mercury in gold extraction.
He warned that contamination of water and agricultural land could ultimately affect food consumed by ordinary citizens if pollutants enter the food chain.
“Eventually, if nothing happens, they keep being poisoned. So we will be eating mercury. We will be eating mercury. It will enter your system,” he cautioned.
He mentioned commonly consumed agricultural produce such as tomatoes, yam, pepper and kontomire, arguing that environmental pollution could have consequences far beyond the mining communities where illegal mining activities take place.
His comments underscore growing concerns in Ghana over the environmental and public-health implications of illegal mining, which has contributed to the degradation of forests, farmlands and water bodies in several parts of the country.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams further called on Christians to pray for political leaders and those in positions of authority, regardless of their political affiliation.
He said the responsibility of protecting the country and addressing its challenges should not be viewed solely through a political lens.
“I keep saying it is important to pray for those in authority and for whoever the president is, irrespective of your political party,” he said.
According to him, Ghana’s political environment has become increasingly polarised, with the country’s two-party system contributing to divisions among citizens.
He expressed concern that political differences were gradually turning Ghanaians against one another and creating an atmosphere of bitterness, hostility and revenge.
“It looks like this two-party democratic system we are operating is dividing us as a nation and is turning us as enemies,” he observed.
He therefore prayed for a future in which political differences would no longer prevent citizens from seeing themselves as members of one national family.
The Archbishop called for greater unity and brotherly love, urging Ghanaians to move away from bitterness, political vengeance and the desire to retaliate against opponents.
He said the nation needed healing not only from environmental destruction but also from divisions that continue to affect social and political relationships.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams’ remarks come amid sustained public concern over the impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment, particularly the contamination of major rivers and destruction of agricultural lands.
His call places the fight against galamsey within a broader national conversation about environmental protection, food security, public health and the responsibility of citizens and leaders to safeguard resources for future generations.
He maintained that the issue required more than political debate, calling for spiritual reflection and collective action to protect the country’s natural resources.
He concluded his prayer by leading the congregation in a declaration centred on the Christian faith and divine protection.
“It’s just too much sickness in this system,” he said before asking the congregation to raise their hands and declare: “We apply the blood of Jesus.”
The Archbishop’s message ultimately urged Ghanaians to look beyond partisan politics and unite around the protection of the country’s water bodies, agricultural lands and the welfare of generations yet unborn.
By 1960news.com
