The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mary Awusi, has strongly criticised comments made by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Eric Nyamekye, regarding illegal mining (galamsey).
Apostle Nyamekye, speaking at the Church’s 48th General Conference, had raised concerns about the impact of galamsey on religious practices, noting that polluted rivers have made traditional water baptisms difficult in some communities. He explained that some congregations have had to resort to using synthetic rubber pools due to unsafe water conditions.
Reacting in an interview on Accra FM, Dr Awusi said she initially chose restraint out of respect for the church leader but warned against what she described as politically charged commentary.
“He’s a man of God, so we’ll forgive him. But next time, he shouldn’t stoop so low to that level. If he descends to that level to behave like a politician, we will deal with him as a politician,” she stated.
She argued that such statements risk blurring the line between religious leadership and political discourse, urging caution in public commentary.
Dr Awusi further questioned the consistency of concerns raised about illegal mining across different administrations, referencing conditions under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and current President John Dramani Mahama.
“What he said is a highly political statement… When Nana Addo was in office, many communities had their water looking very thick and brown. Was he not in Ghana?” she asked.
She also claimed that conditions have improved under the current administration, stating that government interventions have helped restore water flow in affected areas.
Dr Awusi concluded with a caution to the church leader to remain focused on his pastoral responsibilities.
“If you’re a reverend minister and you bypass the truth… the next time we’ll treat him as a politician. This time we’ll spare him. We beg of him to focus on his pastoral work.”
The exchange highlights growing tensions between public officials and religious leaders over commentary on illegal mining, a longstanding environmental and political issue in Ghana.
