“We’ll treat him as a politician next time” — Free Zones CEO warns Pentecost Chair Apostle Nyamekye over galamsey comments

Speaking in an interview on Accra FM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Dr. Awusi explained that she had initially exercised restraint in responding to comments made by Apostle Eric Nyamekye out of respect for his religious position.

According to her, she chose not to react strongly at first because of the reverence she holds for his office as Chairman of The Church of Pentecost. However, she issued a caution that such restraint should not be taken for granted.

“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, emphasizing that her initial response was guided by respect rather than agreement.

Her remarks were a direct response to recent comments by Apostle Nyamekye on the issue of galamsey (illegal mining), which continues to pose serious environmental challenges in Ghana. The Church leader had raised concerns about the widespread destruction caused by illegal mining activities, particularly the pollution of water bodies and its ripple effects on livelihoods and religious practices.

During his address at the 48th General Conference of the Church, where he delivered the State of the Church Address, Apostle Nyamekye outlined key challenges facing the denomination. Among them was the growing impact of galamsey on church activities, especially baptism rites in affected communities.

He noted that heavily polluted rivers have made traditional water-based baptisms increasingly difficult, forcing some congregations to adopt alternative methods such as the use of synthetic rubber pools. He further explained that environmental degradation, combined with shifting economic conditions in mining areas, has also affected the financial stability of some local church assemblies.

“The extensive pollution of water bodies due to illegal mining has hampered traditional water baptism in some mining communities,” he noted, highlighting how environmental damage is now directly influencing religious observances.

Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, Dr. Awusi argued that religious leaders must exercise caution when making public statements on matters that carry political implications. She stressed that while their voices are influential, their comments should remain balanced and not appear to favor or criticize specific political administrations.

When the host described Apostle Nyamekye as an anointed man of God, Dr. Awusi responded firmly, insisting that spiritual authority should not shield individuals from criticism.

“It’s not about anointing. If he were that anointed, he wouldn’t speak in this manner,” she remarked.

She further argued that discussions around galamsey must be contextualized within Ghana’s political history, noting that environmental conditions have varied under different governments. Referring to the administration of Nana Akufo-Addo, she questioned whether similar concerns were raised when water bodies were heavily polluted during that period.

“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? Did he see it or not?” she asked.

Dr. Awusi went on to assert that there have been noticeable improvements under the current administration led by John Dramani Mahama, attributing this to measures implemented to combat illegal mining.

“Today, after John Mahama came to power, due to the measures he has put in place, the rivers are flowing,” she claimed, cautioning against what she described as selective narratives that overlook progress made.

She concluded with a strong warning, suggesting that repeated commentary of a similar tone by the Church leader could lead to him being treated as a political actor rather than a religious figure.

“If you’re a reverend minister and you bypass the truth by taking off your pastoral robe and putting on political clothes, the next time we’ll treat him as a politician. This time we’ll spare him,” she said, urging him to focus on his pastoral responsibilities.

Dr. Awusi reiterated that while respect for religious leaders remains essential in Ghanaian society, public commentary—especially on politically sensitive issues like galamsey—must be measured and responsible.

The exchange comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s prolonged struggle with illegal mining, which has significantly degraded river systems and forest reserves across the country. Successive administrations, including those of Nana Akufo-Addo and John Dramani Mahama, have introduced various interventions to tackle the issue, though challenges persist.

In recent years, civil society organizations, environmental advocates, and religious institutions have become increasingly vocal, calling for stronger enforcement of mining regulations, restoration of degraded lands, and protection of water resources vital to public health and livelihoods.

The latest public disagreement between a senior government figure and the leadership of the Church of Pentecost underscores the growing sensitivity surrounding the galamsey debate—where environmental concerns, political accountability, and moral authority continue to intersect in Ghana’s national discourse.