Bishop Fianu with the diocesan clergy
The Catholic Bishop of Ho and Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, has called on Ghanaians to embrace responsible environmental practices, warning that the increasing incidence of flooding and other climate-related disasters is largely the result of human neglect of the environment.
Addressing the launch of the Special Diocesan Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi in the Ho Diocese, Bishop Fianu said the devastating floods experienced in parts of the country, including Accra, should serve as a national wake-up call to protect the environment and promote sustainable living.
He noted that while climate change poses a global challenge, many of its devastating consequences are intensified by irresponsible human activities such as the indiscriminate destruction of forests, poor waste disposal, pollution, and the failure to safeguard natural ecosystems.
“The floods in Accra and elsewhere are a warning to us to learn to listen to the voice of God, to respect the environment in which we live, and to live harmoniously with God’s creation,” the Bishop stated.
According to him, humanity has both a moral and spiritual responsibility to care for the earth, stressing that environmental protection should not be viewed merely as a civic obligation but as an essential expression of Christian faith and stewardship.
He explained that God’s creation has been entrusted to humanity and must be preserved for the benefit of both present and future generations, adding that neglecting the environment ultimately threatens lives, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
Bishop Fianu urged individuals, families, schools, churches, businesses, and communities to adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles by protecting forests and water bodies, reducing pollution, managing waste responsibly, and supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability.
He observed that genuine care for creation reflects gratitude to God and demonstrates respect for the dignity of human life, since environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable.
Drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi, widely revered as the patron saint of ecology, Bishop Fianu encouraged Catholics and all people of goodwill to emulate the saint’s profound love for creation and commitment to living in harmony with nature.
He said the Jubilee Year offers an opportunity for deeper reflection on humanity’s relationship with the environment and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the earth through responsible action.
The Bishop further stressed that addressing the growing threat of climate change requires collective action involving government, religious institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, and citizens working together to protect the nation’s natural resources.
From Daniel K. Orlando, Ho