The Missio Dei and Environmental Justice: Advancing the Church’s Prophetic Role in Addressing Accra’s Waste Crisis

Abstract

This study examined the Church in Ghana’s role as a prophetic voice against environmental injustice, focusing on solid waste management in Accra. The research problem centred on Accra’s persistent flooding, worsened by poor waste management and socio-spatial disparities impacting low-income communities. The purpose was to reinterpret missio Dei as a call for holistic environmental stewardship. Using qualitative secondary data analysis, the study synthesized literature on urban environmental issues and theological perspectives. The main argument is that the Church, as a participant in God’s mission, needs to address ecological crises. Key findings indicated that political, social, and economic factors contribute to environmental injustice, while churches such as the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) and Church of Pentecost (COP) lack practical initiatives despite their theological commitments.  The paper concluded that leveraging biblical narratives and cultural proverbs could mobilize action. It contributes to the field of missiology by integrating environmental justice with mission praxis model for urban governance in Ghana.