ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN THE AMANSIE WEST DISTRICT: THE CHRISTIANS RESPONSE

Abstract

Human activities have over the years destroyed the very environment which has been the basis for the survival of humanity. This is as a result of illegal small scale mining known as “galamsey”. The main objective of the study was to examine the Christian response to the environmental degradation with Amansie West District as the focus of the study. The study employed a qualitative approach as a methodology for the study. The study revealed that some Christians do not have adequate knowledge about their roles to cater and care for the environment. It was also found out that the issue of poverty contributes to environmental degradation. People in the area tend to overuse the natural resources because they do not have anything to eat or any means of getting money except through the natural resources. Poor people often lack sufficient income and education to afford higher quality life. The study further revealed that some communities are denied access to good drinking water due to mining operations. The problems of environmental degradation and water availability has also meant that in some areas, affected communities rely to a great extent, particularly in the dry season, on water sources that are increasingly polluted by chemicals from mining operations. There is the need for the churches to have a theological reflection that will help to change their attitude towards the environment. Churches should also teach their members that the environment belongs primarily to them, and they must take the responsibility for the land and organize themselves in groups, cooperatives, development associations and local associations to defend it. There is also the need for churches to set up of a Christian Fund to support environmental awareness projects