The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has called on faith-based organisations (FBOs) to use their platforms to rally support for the government’s agenda to rid the country of filth and protect the environment.
Mr Ayariga said although Ghana had a very positive image internationally and citizens took pride in the country’s rich cultural heritage, the mounting filth was a dark spot that needed to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
“We are a people of immense pride, rich culture and undeniable strength; we proudly celebrate our hospitality and our heritage.
Yet, a shadow hangs over our beautiful nation - a shadow cast by the litter in our gutters, the plastic on our beaches and the refuse pilling up in our neighbourhoods,” he said.
Speaking at the launch of the second Ecumenical Convention held at the Baptist International Worship Centre last Friday, he stressed that the time had come for collective action to clean up the country.
Agbogbloshie situation
The minister said the long-standing perception of Agbogbloshie as one of the world’s most polluted areas must be reversed through decisive action to clear the waste that had accumulated there over decades.
“The irony of our national story is that for many years, it has also been the location of one of the biggest churches in Ghana and our national mosque.
Our premier tertiary hospital stands in very close proximity.
So is the national market known as Makola. I went to the top of the heap of the waste, and it is higher than ten floors of a storey building,” he said.
Mr Ayariga stressed that the responsibility to change that narrative did not rest solely on the shoulders of the government or local assemblies, but all citizens.
Apt theme
The minister described the theme of the convention: “United in Christ, Transforming Society through Creation Care,” as both timely and prophetic, adding that it aligned strongly with the mandate of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
He said the theme was a rallying call on Christians to let the light of Christ reflect in their stewardship of the environment.
He called on the clergy to use their pulpits to champion environmental awareness, mobilise the youth for climate action, environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods, and partner the government and private sector on sanitation, afforestation, waste management and renewable energy initiatives.
Mr Ayariga said it was only when there was unity among Christians and other religious organisations that the country would witness stability and transformation.
“In John 17:21, Christ prayed that all may be one. Unity is not merely an aspiration; it is a divine mandate,” he said.
Relevance
He said the Ecumenical Convention was critical because it helped to strengthen fellowship and enable denominations to move beyond doctrinal differences and embrace the higher calling of collective Christian witness.
The minister added that beyond the pulpit, the convention helped in mobilising the church for social transformation while encouraging collaboration in education, health care, poverty alleviation and environmental stewardship.
Again, he said such conventions were beneficial to national development as they promoted unity, a collective voice for justice, leadership renewal, social impact, peace-building and creation care.
