What kind of religious faith are we practising in Ghana? One that robustly processes fear of diabolism but ignores the dangers and consequences of environmental violence and man-made degradation? A faith that venerates devotion to religious rituals more than incessant efforts at environmental activism?
Being a person of faith is not simply renewing your relationship with God and observing perfect rules of conduct in interpersonal harmony. It also involves translating our faith into eco-friendly behaviours that honours the natural resources God gave to sustain human life and dignity. In Genesis 2:15, we are entrusted by God to care for the garden (the earth).
In tending the garden, humanity becomes a co-creator with God, participating in the ongoing act of creation. This partnership reflects a divine intention for humans to actively engage with the natural world, promoting its flourishing and productivity.
It further calls on us to respect creation; respecting all forms of life within the environment. This respect is rooted in recognizing the intrinsic value of creation as part of God’s good handiwork. It challenges us to consider the consequences of our actions on the environment and encourages practices that honor all life. These are ethical duties aimed at ensuring intergenerational justice and safeguarding human health and well being.
Why are we destroying our environment? Why are we destroying our water bodies?
Our water bodies are so polluted that we are now recording Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) levels around 95,000. Such a high level of turbidity raises serious issues with water safety, food security and environmental health.
What kind of nation are we building?
If we cannot safeguard the essentials that support life such as water, food, air, etc, how can we build muscles for lofty goals? We are joking in this nation! Sustaining life must be the fundamental goal! Tackle the simple and you will gain grounds to address the complex! We have become completely reckless and unethical, violating the soul of this nation.
Environmental stewardship is a moral obligation. Any individual who remains indifferent to the rampant degradation of our natural resources is, in effect, ethically complacent and morally numbed!
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Prof Joseph Osafo Adu, Director of the Center for Ageing Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
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