The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, has issued a sharp response to the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, warning that future public comments on illegal mining (galamsey) could be treated as political statements.
Speaking in an interview on Accra FM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Dr. Awusi said she initially held back out of respect for his religious office but would not do so again if similar remarks are made.
“He’s a man of God, so we’ll forgive him. But next time, he shouldn’t stoop so low to that level. I am telling him. If he descends to that level to behave like a politician, we will deal with him as a politician. I’ve given him reverence because he’s a man of God and the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost,” she stated.
Her comments come in response to recent remarks by Apostle Nyamekye on galamsey, where he raised concerns about its environmental and social impact. Addressing the Church’s 48th General Conference during the State of the Church Address, he highlighted how illegal mining continues to pollute water bodies and disrupt religious practices.
“The extensive pollution of water bodies due to illegal mining has hampered traditional water baptism in some mining communities, necessitating a shift to synthetic rubber pools in several districts to carry out the ordinance. These unpredictable environmental conditions, along with the seasonal migration of fish stocks, continue to impact the steady financial growth and stability of affected local assemblies.”
While acknowledging the influence of religious leaders, Dr. Awusi emphasised that commentary on politically sensitive national issues, such as galamsey must be approached with caution.
