Africa-Press – Ghana. Right Reverend Andrew Mbeah-Baiden, Bishop of the Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, has urged government to show serious commitment in fighting galamsey.
Speaking at the opening of the seventh annual synod of the Methodist Church of Ghana in Gbawe, Accra, he called for pragmatic steps to halt the destruction of forests and water bodies.
“The dimension this menace has attained is now threatening our very existence and eroding our sovereignty as a nation. People from other countries can easily enter the country and engage in these illegal mining practices with impunity, and we look on helplessly,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Mbeah-Baiden urged government to act urgently, as some Ghanaians also partake in the destruction of natural resources.
The Synod, themed “Discipleship: Growing into Christian Maturity,” has been the Church’s focus for three years, highlighting the process of spiritual growth.
“Christian maturity is not something one immediately attains on becoming a Christian. In the first place, the new birth in Christ must happen, and then gradually, one grows towards maturity,” he said.
Reviewing his tenure since October 2024, Rt. Rev. Mbeah-Baiden noted the Diocese had achieved substantial progress despite being relatively new.
Building on the foundation of the previous administration, his team initiated programmes to achieve its grand vision of development, expansion, and division.
“Some programs include two annual Diocesan prophetic prayer conferences, monthly online prayer meetings, quarterly circuit open-air crusades, a children’s camp project, Diocesan mission development fund, a skills training center, a permanent place of worship for GHAMSU, and the Kojo Ashong Methodist School Library project.”
He noted the Diocese’s Christian community had grown to 42,768 members in 2024, marking a 0.05 per cent increase from 2023.
The 2025 Diocesan strategic action plan was developed, and several initiatives, including Lay movement, children’s ministry, and GHAMSU activities, were carried out.
Other engagements included the Jesus Saves crusade at the University of Ghana, induction services, inauguration of societies, dedication of Manse, anniversaries, lectures, and connexional activities.
Rt. Rev. Mbeah-Baiden said upcoming projects include completing the ground floor of the Diocesan office complex, creating two new circuits, and forming a solid media team with basic equipment.
He encouraged members to remain steadfast in faith and leverage available resources to build a model Diocese.
Calling for prayers for Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, he said, “We condemn all the things being portrayed on social media, stand firm in prayer with our Vice President, and wish her well.”
The five-day synod, which started on April 23 and ends on April 27, includes a memorial service, opening ceremony, reports presentation, and thanksgiving service.
The Northern Accra Diocese comprises 19 circuits, including Madina, Dzorwulu, Gbawe, McCarthy Hills, Adenta, Airport East, Akweteman, Amasaman, Ashaley Botwe, Ashongman, Awoshie, Dome, Ga Sub Urban, Kwabenya, Kwashieman North, New Achimota, Nii Boi Town, Taifa, and Ngleshie Amanfro.
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