Youth Urged to Stop ‘Galamsey’, Venture into Agriculture

The New Life District of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church has been inaugurated with a strong call for youth to redirect their energies into agriculture and abandon the practice of ‘galamsey’.

The District Pastor, Osei-Bonsu Sarpong, made the appeal at the inaugural ceremony held in Anlo-Town last weekend, under the theme: ‘United in Faithfulness for Mission.’

According to Pastor Sarpong, embracing agriculture can transform the country’s economy and improve the livelihoods of young people. In contrast, ‘galamsey’ poses significant risks to Ghana’s environment, economy, and public health.

He emphasised that agriculture offers vast employment opportunities for youth, not only in farming but also in related industries. Engaging in illegal mining, he warned, would destroy the land and could lead to early death.

“God will destroy anyone who destroys the land. Our selfish interest in getting quick money will lead us to our early graves,” Pastor Sarpong stated.

Highlighting Ghana’s agricultural potential, he noted that the country is known for producing crops exported globally. He lamented that illegal mining activities were destroying fertile land and polluting water bodies.

Pastor Sarpong also called on the government to strengthen laws against homosexuality, adding that the church would commit to prayers to support these efforts.

The Executive Secretary for the East Ghana Conference of the SDA, Pastor Okyere Baffour, encouraged the congregation to strengthen their relationship with God and remain steadfast in His love.

Elder Emmanuel Tettey, the District Secretary, provided a brief history of the district. He explained that the New Life District, part of the East Ghana Conference’s 2022 reorganisation plan, officially began operations in January 2023 and has a membership of 786.

The district comprises five churches: New Life, Amazing Truth, Ada, Christ the King, and the newly established Corner Stone.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie

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