The Gospel Ministers Network has expressed worry about what it describes as the growing trend of ‘politicisation’ of the fight against illegal mining in the country.

According to Bishop Samuel Osei-Quashie, the President of the Network, a concerted approach was required to tackle the growing menace, saying the government alone could not shoulder that responsibility.

The Network comprises more than 80 local churches and ministers of the Gospel who had come together to advance the work of God.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Bishop Osei-Quashie said the devastating effects of illegal mining required the contribution of everybody, irrespective of one’s political affiliations.
He recommended that drastic measures also ought to be put in place at community levels to fight the menace, but not a “mere political lip service.”

Bishop Osei-Quashie, also the Sector Overseer of the Victory Bible Church International bemoaned the extensive destruction of water bodies in the country due to illegal mining, saying if the menace was not tackled immediately Ghanaians would suffer and bear the brunt soon.

“If we are not careful and we don’t find drastic measures and stop it, galamsey will kill all of us,” he stated, adding that “if you look at the state of River Offin now you will weep for Ghana.”

Bishop Osei-Quashie expressed regret that partisan politicking had deeply “eaten” into the minds and hearts of the majority of Ghanaians, worrying that “our development process has been back and forth due to our partisan politics.”

He, therefore, appealed to Ghanaians to endeavour to bury their political inclinations, come together and support the central government in tackling societal ills, instead of politicizing national issues.