Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has called on the Church to take a more active role in the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
He believes the Church’s moral authority and influence could significantly contribute to curbing the widespread issue, which has posed a major challenge to the government.
In an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Sam George emphasized that constructive criticism from the Church could enhance governance in Ghana.
He stressed that the Church should hold all individuals, including politicians, accountable for their actions, and urged religious leaders to take a firm stand against galamsey.
“If the Church played its role well and offered more pastoral care, I believe that the church will be the place where you will hold people accountable. If the church was speaking with one voice with 70% of its population. Today, we’re talking about galamsey, if the church were to take a stand, there would be no grouping, it would compel whoever is sitting in that office.
“Whether they’re PYZ, or FPQ, they would listen. The bottom line is if they were to use that kind of moral suasion to steer the affairs of the populace, and the affairs of the state I believe we would be in a better place.”
According to Sam George, the church’s vast membership gives it greater influence than Organised Labour.
He emphasised that if the church fails to fulfil its role, the country will ultimately suffer, highlighting the significant impact of the church’s involvement in societal issues.
“I have heard Organised Labour wants to do something, but they don’t have the numbers.”
On Tuesday, October 10, Organised Labour, declared a nationwide strike effective October 10, 2024, following the government’s failure to address their demands concerning illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In an emergency meeting organised labour expressed their frustration over the government’s inaction.
