Accra, May 25, 2026 β The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Β Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (Rtd.) has issued a passionate call for collective action to protect Africaβs water bodies and natural environment, warning that illegal mining and ecological destruction pose grave threats to peace, security, and the continentβs future.
Delivering solidarity remarks at the African Union Day Leadership Conference 2026 held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Rt. Rev. Agbeko, who is also the Immediate Past Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana and Chairman of the African Faith Actors Network for Climate Justice, emphasized that water stewardship is not only an environmental issue but a spiritual and moral responsibility rooted in Christian values.
βWater is sacred because it is Godβs gift for life, healing, nourishment, and human dignity. Stewardship of water is therefore a spiritual, moral, and social responsibility,β he declared.
The Moderator spoke candidly about the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on Ghanaβs rivers and forests. He lamented that once vibrant water sources are now polluted with chemicals and toxic substances, destroying aquatic life and endangering communities.
βMany of our riversβ sources of drinking water, farming, and livelihoods are being poisoned. This threatens not only our ecosystem but also national peace and human security,β he warned.
Rt. Rev. Agbeko urged government institutions, traditional leaders, civil society, political actors, the private sector, and especially the youth to rise above partisan interests and unite in safeguarding the environment. He stressed that the fight against ecological destruction requires stronger law enforcement, public education, sustainable livelihood alternatives, and renewed ethical leadership.
He highlighted the role of faith communities in educating citizens on ecological justice and responsible stewardship, noting that shared Christian values of justice, accountability, compassion, and love for neighbor compel believers to defend creation.
The Moderator tied his message to the African Unionβs Agenda 2063 vision, insisting that sustainable development and peace cannot be achieved without environmental responsibility.
βThere can be no sustainable peace where water bodies are destroyed. There can be no meaningful development where communities lose access to clean water. And there can be no realization of Agenda 2063 without ecological protection and community cooperation,β he affirmed.
Concluding his remarks, Rt. Rev. Agbeko prayed for wisdom, courage, and unity among African leaders and citizens, urging the conference to inspire renewed partnerships and practical actions toward sustainable water governance and community peace.
The AU Day Leadership Conference 2026 was convened under the theme βAssuring Sustainable Water, Technology, Peace and Security for Agenda 2063β and brought together diplomats, peace advocates, religious leaders, and civil society actors to deliberate on Africaβs future.
