The 16th annual synod of the Obuasi Diocese of the Methodist Church opened at Obuasi-Anyinam with a call on the government to legalise 'galamsey' (illegal mining) for the benefit of the youth.

The Right Reverend Stephen R. Bosomtwe–Ayensu, the bishop of the diocese, who made the call, observed that the situation where foreigners, especially the Chinese had taken leadership positions in the galamsey business, was not the best for the country and its youth.

“The lands and forests are indiscriminately being destroyed creating artificial lakes, which are death traps to the women and children and farmers in those mining areas,” he said.

He added that a trip to some communities in the Amansie and Adansi districts of the region, especially Nsiana, Agroyesum, Manso Nkwanta, Twaapease and Homase, revealed questions rather than answers as one could not resist but plead with the government to legalize the galamsey operation.

The Rt. Rev. Bosomtwe–Ayensu said legalisation of galamsey would offer employment to the Ghanaian youth and cease the practice where the business had become the preserve of the Chinese.

He said, “because of its illegal nature, majority of Ghanaians - young men and some women sneak to undertake this venture resulting in hundreds dying daily; for they are chased randomly by security agencies”.

He, therefore, suggested to the Ghana Chamber of Mines to see to it that workable and achievable policies were formulated to offer employment to the youth in these areas.

Touching on the deplorable nature of the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi-Dunkwa – Bogoso-Tarkwa road, he urged the mining companies in the area to support the government to bring the road back to its motorable state to enhance the socio-economic activities.

The Methodist Bishop condemned attitudes and behaviours that had rendered the nation “bankrupt” and encouraged Ghanaians to work harder to improve the economy.

In a goodwill message to the synod, the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Johnny Owusu-Boadi commended the church for its contribution towards the socio-economic development of the country.

“Obuasi Municipal can boast of some Methodist schools which have contributed immensely for the municipal education directorate to maintain the first position in the national ranking of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for the past eight years”.

The five-day synod is on the theme: “This is too much for you to do alone”.