Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, has joined growing reactions to controversial remarks made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, against the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.
The unfolding debate comes on the back of comments made by Apostle Nyamekye during the Church of Pentecost’s General Council Meeting, where he drew attention to the alarming environmental damage caused by illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
In his address, 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.
During a media interview, she warned that the church leader would be “dealt with” if he continued to make such statements. The comment quickly drew criticism from sections of the public who viewed it as an attack on religious freedom and moral advocacy.
Adding his voice to the matter, Very Rev Mante delivered a firm 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 the party. We are not afraid of anybody. Like the Pope said, I am not afraid of 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,” he said.