The General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has issued a grave alarm regarding escalating pressures from powerful interests seeking to exploit Ghana’s gold trade, according to a report published on Sunday. Addressing congregants, Archbishop Duncan-Williams expressed deep concern over the potential for illicit mining activities to jeopardize the country’s future.
He described a situation where political interference and the continued destruction caused by illegal mining pose a significant threat, prompting him to call for prayers for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and a deeper examination of the institution’s operations. ‘I feel very strongly that we need to pray for the Gold Board,’ he stated, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the institution’s integrity.
According to Archbishop Duncan-Williams, individuals who have recently become increasingly reliant on illegal gold extraction are seeking alternative channels to the formal trading system. He revealed that these individuals are attempting to secure access to the Gold Board, suggesting a deliberate effort to circumvent established regulations. He asserted that the Gold Board is currently confronting a highly organized and influential network, highlighting a significant challenge to the country’s mineral resource management.
The Archbishop underscored that the concern isn’t solely about gold trading; rather, he believes the nation’s efforts to regulate its mineral resources are being undermined by the potential actions of these powerful entities. ‘It’s clear to me that the Gold Board is dealing with a very powerful movement,’ he stated, stressing the potential for exploitation. He pointed to the belief that GoldBod is confronting a highly organised and influential network, and asserted that this network is not interested in the right thing being done.
Furthermore, the Archbishop cautioned that the state of Ghana’s water bodies and agricultural land is a critical concern, arguing that illegal mining could ultimately threaten the country’s ability to feed itself. He stated that ‘I take time to study history a lot, and some things are bothering me.’ He described the issue as a matter of intergenerational responsibility, warning that the current approach to natural resources could lead to environmental degradation and economic hardship for future generations.
He urged his congregation to spend time praying for Ghana and to look beyond immediate political interests, framing the issue as a matter of national intercession. He emphasized that the fight against illegal mining is also a battle over the country’s future – its rivers, farmland, food supply, institutions, and the ability of future generations to inherit a healthy and prosperous nation. He urged his congregation to intercede for Ghana and to look beyond immediate political interests. He concluded by stating that the current approach to natural resources is unsustainable and potentially dangerous, and that the nation must prioritize long-term stability and sustainable development.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
