The General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has called for prayers for the country's water bodies and lands, citing the devastating effects of illegal mining activities.

According to him, the prayers are aimed at supporting the restoration of Ghana’s polluted water bodies and degraded lands.

He warned that the continued destruction caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, could eventually threaten the country’s food security and public health.

Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, August 10, 2026, Archbishop Duncan-Williams said, “We are praying concerning the healing of our water bodies and the land, that our water bodies and our land will not be poisoned through this galamsey.

“So, a time may come when we cannot sow and harvest crops from the land because the land is poisoned. As a result, it may no longer be able to bear fruit.”

Man hides in ceiling after failed robbery attempt against seamstress

According to him, the continued contamination of water bodies and soil could affect crops grown in farming communities and ultimately expose consumers to harmful substances.

“It can't yield the crops we need, and even if it does, because the land is poisoned, the food we are eating the tomatoes, yam, kontomire, pepper, and everything that comes from outside the main city will eventually be contaminated if nothing is done about it,” he said.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams also expressed concern about mercury contamination associated with illegal mining and the potential health risks it poses to consumers.

“We will be eating mercury. We will be eating mercury. It will enter your system. You are eating and think it is harmless, but you do not know what you are consuming,” he warned.

He stressed that addressing the environmental consequences of galamsey should not be regarded solely as the responsibility of politicians, urging citizens and religious bodies to also play their part in protecting the environment.

“Let’s pray concerning the healing of our waterbodies and land, that they won’t be poisoned through galamsey.”

— Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams pic.twitter.com/6WAiluKGeG

— THE STATE NEWS (@THESTATENEWSS) August 9, 2026