Ghana Church Faces Demolition: Faith vs. Environmental Protection

Church Facing Demolition in Sakumo, Ghana The Gilgal Prayer Ministry, located on the environmentally sensitive Sakumo Ramsar site in Accra, Ghana, faces imminent demolition. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) issued a notice ordering the church's removal, citing concerns about its construction within a protected wetland area. JoyNews gained exclusive access to the church's interior, capturing footage of the sanctuary and its contents. The video shows rows of chairs, a stage, and other church furnishings, illustrating the potential loss for the congregation. A church member, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "We are heartbroken. This church is our spiritual home, and we have invested so much in it." NADMO's notice raises questions about the balance between religious freedom and environmental preservation. While the organization is responsible for protecting the Ramsar site, the demolition also impacts the community's religious practices. A spokesperson for NADMO explained that the church's construction violated environmental regulations, and the demolition is necessary to safeguard the wetland's ecological integrity. The situation underscores the complex challenges in balancing development and environmental protection in urban areas. The future of the Gilgal Prayer Ministry remains uncertain, as the congregation seeks legal recourse and community support.