Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, has descende heavily on the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mavis Awusi over her controversial remarks against a clergyman.
He said the clergy will continue to speak on issues of national importance without fear or favour.
The Free Zones Authority CEO recently attacked the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye for drawing attention to the alarming environmental damage caused by illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
In his address, during the Pentecost’s General Council Meeting, the respected church leader highlighted the severe pollution of rivers and streams across several communities, stressing that the situation has disrupted essential Christian practices such as water baptism.
According to him, the contamination has forced some congregations to abandon natural water bodies and instead rely on synthetic pools to perform baptisms—an indication of how deeply the crisis is affecting both daily life and religious observance.
His remarks, which resonated with many Ghanaians concerned about environmental degradation, were met with a sharp response from Dr. Awusi.
Speaking on Accra-FM, she warned that Dr Eric Nyamekye would be “dealt with” if he continued to make such statements, a comment that quickly drew criticism from sections of the public who viewed it as an attack on religious freedom and moral advocacy.
Rev. Mante’s response
Responding to the threat, Very Rev. Mante delivered a firm and unambiguous response on Sunday, April 26, defending the right of clergy to speak on national issues without fear of political intimidation.
“Talking about galamsey, I have heard that there is somebody who says that some senior pastor has talked against galamsey so she is shouting at him.
“Tell that woman we are not afraid of her. It is not about party. We are not afraid of anybody. Like the Pope said, I am not afraid of the Trump’s administration, if something is a sin, it is a sin, whether it is under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo or under John Dramani Mahama or whoever,” the former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana stated.
