The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has commended the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for tackling illegal mining across the country in order to protect the environment.

Chairperson of the Asante Presbytery, Rev Dr Kofi Amfo-Akonnor, said the church appreciates the Akufo-Addo-led government’s dedication to tackling ‘galamsey.’

Addressing the gathering at the 95th Presbytery session of the Asante Presbytery in Kumasi at the weekend, the reverend minister noted that the new government had displayed commitment in transforming the Ghanaian economy.

He said the new government faces challenges because of the irresponsible mining by foreigners who connive with some traditional rulers and politicians.

“We are very keen to pray for this government to succeed in its quest to fight the ‘galamsey’ menace and provide the new administration with strong support, as they seek to create jobs for our people,” Rev Dr Amfo-Akonnor said, while bemoaning intellectual dishonesty by politicians.

Rev Dr Kofi Amfo-Akonnor also condemned the violent behaviour of Delta Force, the vigilante group of the NPP, and asked the government to quickly bring the situation under control to deal with “the winner-takes-all syndrome.”

“The moral foundation of the nation needs to be revived, and there would not be much of the next generation, this is because human beings learn by examples.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, on his part, said the Presbyterian Church of Ghana – like other religious bodies in the country – had played tremendous role in the provision of education, health and other social intervention programmes and projects, which have contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the country.

In his view, education and health are pre-requisites for human development that also enables people to understand God better.

“I would like to remind you that through your prayers and intersections, this country was blessed with absolute peace and harmony before, during and after the December 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections throughout the country. It is well-known the contribution of the Presby Church in seeking the favour of the Lord during the electioneering period and the response to our clarion call through which Ghana continues to enjoy peace and harmony,” he noted.

The Minister stated that the government, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was committed to addressing the challenges facing the country.

“I wish therefore to use this platform to entreat all believers and Reverend Ministers gathered here to as much as possible pray earnestly for our dear country Ghana and I believe by doing so God would continue to bless the nation and make it prosperous.”

Mr. Osei-Mensah asserted that believers ought to be law-abiding citizens, know their responsibilities and contribute their quota to nation-building.

“Let us support programmes put forward by the government, District Assemblies and traditional leaders aimed at enhancing our living standards. Let us keep our surroundings clean for cleanliness is next to Godliness. It is only when we know these things and also do them that our Christian lives become meaningful.”