Church of Pentecost halts river baptisms due to galamsey pollution
via GhanaWeb4 min read
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, announced that the church has been forced to discontinue traditional river baptisms in certain mining communities due to severe pollution caused by illegal mining activities, known as galamsey. Speaking at the 48th General Conference on April 22, 2026, Apostle Nyamekye stated that the widespread environmental degradation has contaminated river bodies, making them unsafe for religious practices. As a result, the church has adopted alternative methods, such as using synthetic rubber pools, for baptisms in affected areas. He also highlighted the broader negative impact of galamsey on church members who rely on farming for their livelihoods, noting that despite government efforts, the menace of illegal mining and its environmental consequences persist.
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