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The Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese of the Catholic Church has opened its First Synod in 45 years in Takoradi, with a call on political and traditional leaders to find concrete solutions to stop environmental degradation through illegal human activities.

In his keynote address, Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, regretted that the evil of greed and disregard of others, was leading the selfish ones to destroy the environment and pollute river bodies with impunity.

He said the global hierarchy of the Church had drawn the attention to care for the earth, which was our common home.

He said it was about time both political and traditional leaders came together to fight this social canker in order to reverse the trend of destruction.

“Our rivers; Ankobra, Pra, and Tano, among others, have seriously been polluted by illegal gold mining activities, and the result is that those who live along these rivers depending on them for their livelihood, get only dirty water, which is a serious hazard to their health,” Bishop Kwofie, remarked.

He said human beings had the responsibility to take proper care of nature and not to destroy it, adding, 'God took the man he had created and settled him in the Garden of Eden, to take care of it.

Speaking on the theme of the nine-day synod: “Launching into deep as disciples of Christ in the new evangelization”, Most Rev Kwofie stressed the need by parishoners to intensify evangelization, in order to draw many faithfuls into the church.

He noted that many non-Catholics had interest in the Church’s doctrines, but needed to be preached to, before registering their membership.

The bishop urged parishoners to reach out and support the poor, vulnerable, disadvantaged, deprived, aged, and sick in society, as Jesus Christ did to seek the welfare of the needy.

For the youth to have interest in the Church, Bishop Kwofie admonished the Council to involve them (youth) in its activities in order to build their capacities in order for them to have the confidence to accept leadership roles.

Nana Kwesi Agyeman, Omanhene of Lower Dixcove, condemned the practice of homo sexuality, describing it as ungodly, and wondered how people could raise dependants through the practice.

Nana Agyeman pointed out that traditional rule was not against religious doctrines, as perceived in certain quarters, saying that obsolete practices which were counter-productive, would gradually be phased out.

The 198 Delegates of the 45-year-old Diocese would deliberate on issues of the Church during the nine days.