By Daniel Bampoe
A new dimension has been added to the growing controversy surrounding comments by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi, as former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Most rev Prof Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, delivered a strong rebuke over what he described as unwarranted attacks on Apostle Eric Nyamekye for speaking against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
His comments come at a time when tensions between religious leadership and political actors continue to intensify over the national fight against environmental degradation.
The outspoken cleric addressing the church event did not mince words as he addressed the controversy, declaring: “Tell that woman we’re not afraid of her. We’re not afraid of anybody. It’s not about the party.”
His remarks were a direct response to the earlier comments by Dr. Awusi, which many interpreted as threatening towards Apostle Nyamekye after the latter raised concerns about the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s water and communities.
Mary Awusi who has gained notoriety as hatchet woman, made the remarks, during a radio interview, suggesting that the respected Pentecost Chairman risked being “dealt with as a politician” if he continued to speak on the issue.
The comments triggered widespread backlash across religious and civil society groups, with many condemning what they saw as an attempt to silence moral voices in national discourse.
Although she later issued an apology, critics have described it as inadequate and lacking genuine remorse.
Reacting to the broader issue of galamsey, Prof. Mante placed the debate in a moral and national context, insisting that the fight against illegal mining transcends political affiliations.
“If something is sin, it is sin, whether it is under Akufo-Addo or under Mahama or whoever. If it is evil, it is evil,” he stressed, reinforcing the position that religious leaders have a duty to speak out regardless of which political party is in power.
He further lamented the continued destruction of the environment, warning of long-term consequences for future generations.
“You Ghanaians, you sit there and let the galamsey go on. All your children and grandchildren will just die early.
The thing is so evil,” he said, expressing deep frustration over what he described as collective inaction in the face of a worsening crisis.
Drawing from experience, Prof. Mante revealed that religious leaders have consistently engaged political authorities on the issue.
He recalled: “I remember when I was chairman… I went with the current president of the Church of Pentecost. We went to the then-President Akufo-Addo and told him that galamsey should stop. I was the one who led the delegation.”
His account highlights that advocacy against illegal mining is not new and has spanned multiple administrations.
The former Moderator also cautioned against politicizing the issue, warning that such an approach undermines national efforts to address the crisis.
“If people cannot think beyond party, they should stop opening their mouths… We are not afraid of anybody. No party. We were there before there was a party,” he added, underscoring the independence of religious institutions in national discourse.
The controversy traces back to Apostle Nyamekye’s recent remarks during a church address, where he highlighted how polluted rivers have forced the Church of Pentecost to abandon traditional water baptisms in several districts.
His comments were widely seen as part of a consistent advocacy he has maintained over the years, including his 2022 description of galamsey as a “human problem” requiring collective will and action.
While the governing National Democratic Congress has attempted to downplay the incident, describing Dr. Mary Awusi’s comments as a lapse, the opposition New Patriotic Party has called for stronger action, including her dismissal.
Critics argue that the failure of the government to decisively address the issue risks emboldening further attacks on individuals who speak out on national concerns.
Amid the escalating exchanges, Apostle Nyamekye himself has taken a conciliatory tone, indicating that he holds no personal grudges and emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing national challenges.
However, the strong intervention by Prof. Mante signals a broader resistance within the religious community against what is perceived as intimidation or attempts to silence voices advocating for moral and environmental accountability.
