Apostle General Korankye Ankrah Condemns Galamsey, Calls for Non-Partisan Efforts to Tackle Illegal Mining
Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah, leader of Royal House Chapel, at the Convention of Saints 2024, delivered a stern critique of the ongoing environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, and the recent arrest of DemocracyHub protesters.
His address underscored the pressing need for a unified, non-partisan approach to combating illegal mining, while calling for the immediate release of the detained activists.
Apostle General Ankrah lamented the severe ecological consequences of galamsey, particularly the pollution of water bodies and the destruction of forests.
“We can see the devastating impact—our rivers are poisoned, and our land is scarred. The effects of illegal mining are now passed on to us, forcing us to raise money to help the children and families affected,” he remarked, highlighting the humanitarian crisis that has emerged in rural areas.
He further emphasized that polluted water sources are being used for cooking and drinking, with hazardous chemicals like cyanide seeping into the soil, contaminating crops and posing long-term health risks.
In a direct appeal to both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Apostle General Ankrah urged the political establishments to prioritize environmental preservation over short-term electoral gains.
“We need a national consensus to fight this menace. Protecting our environment should transcend politics. Is winning votes more important than saving our forests and water bodies?” he asked, warning that political hesitancy could lead to irreversible damage.
The Apostle General’s address did not stop at environmental issues. He voiced concerns over the recent arrests of young protesters by Ghanaian authorities during demonstrations organized by DemocracyHub. The protests, largely focused on illegal mining and economic challenges, led to a wave of detentions that many, including Apostle Ankrah, view as excessive.
“I plead with the Inspector General of Police and the government—release the young boys and girls who were arrested. Keeping them in custody only escalates anger and unrest,” he said, expressing worry that continued detentions could fuel broader discontent.
While condemning the unlawful actions of some protesters, such as the alleged theft of a police vehicle key during the demonstrations, Apostle Ankrah maintained that harsh punitive measures are not the solution.
“Yes, some crossed the line, but punishing them harshly for expressing their frustrations will only exacerbate the situation. Hunger and hardship are driving people to desperation,” he stated, linking the public’s grievances to broader socio-economic challenges.
In a broader call for political decency, the Apostle General appealed to political parties and candidates to conduct their campaigns with civility ahead of Ghana’s upcoming elections. He criticized inflammatory rhetoric and urged politicians to focus on uniting the nation rather than deepening divisions.
“We want civility and respect. Winning an election means serving the whole nation, not just your party members. Political office is about responsibility, not entitlement,” he said, decrying what he described as a culture of exclusion and favoritism in public service.
