By: Eunice Attakora-Manu
The Provincial Synod of the Church of the Province of West Africa (CPWA) of the Anglican Communion has called on the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, while taking concrete steps to address growing youth unemployment across the West African sub-region.
The Church expressed concern over the continued destruction of the environment through illegal mining activities, particularly the pollution of water bodies and the degradation of forest reserves, and urged governments to strengthen enforcement measures to protect the environment.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its Provincial Synod held at the Obro Hotel in Asante Mampong from November 3 to 6, 2026, the Church challenged citizens, particularly Anglicans, to desist from activities that undermine the environment.
“We further challenge all the citizens of our sub region especially Anglicans to desist from destroying the environment created by God through the activities of illegal mining in our water bodies and forest,” the communiqué stated.
The Synod also called on traditional authorities and community leaders in areas affected by illegal mining to take steps to reclaim lands leased to illegal miners, while urging the government to apply appropriate sanctions against those involved in the practice.
“We entreat the Chiefs and leaders in the local communities which are affected by illegal mining to recover possession of their lands which have been leased out for this evil menace,” it added.
The Church further called on governments across the sub-region, particularly Ghana, to intensify efforts to safeguard environmental security and protect citizens against the continuous pollution of water bodies and destruction of forest reserves.
Beyond environmental concerns, the Anglican Church raised alarm over youth unemployment, urging governments to prioritise job creation and expand employment opportunities for young people.
In the communiqué, the Synod acknowledged the prevalence of unemployment among young people across the sub-region and called for deliberate government interventions to address the challenge.
“We further acknowledge the prevalence of unemployment among our youths in the sub region and urge our governments to work hard to provide employment opportunities for the youths of our nations,” it stated.
On education, the Church called on heads of educational institutions across West Africa to work with their respective Ministries of Education to incorporate environmental preservation and climate change into school curricula.
It also advocated the introduction of moral education at all levels of the educational system, citing the need to address what it described as the moral decadence confronting society.
The communiqué also touched on governance, with the Synod commending President John Dramani Mahama and his government for their service to Ghana. However, it urged the government to ensure that development projects were distributed fairly and equitably.
It further called for intensified efforts to tackle corruption, lawlessness and indiscipline, particularly on the country’s roads, while encouraging the government to remain open to positive divergent views.
The four-day Synod, held under the theme, “Towards Breaking New Grounds and Pressing On Towards Winning the Prize of our Salvation” (Philippians 3:13-14), brought together the Primate, Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and lay faithful of the Church of the Province of West Africa.
The gathering also commended delegates for unanimously resolving to separate the Anglican Church of Ghana from the Church of the Province of West Africa to become a national church, a decision expected to strengthen pastoral oversight, missionary effectiveness and accountable stewardship.
The Synod concluded by calling for greater unity, peace, tolerance and commitment to national development across the West African sub-region.
Source: Purefmonlinegh.com || Eunice Attakora-Manu || 2026
