Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding comments made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi, about the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.
The debate was triggered by remarks from Apostle Nyamekye during a recent General Council Meeting of the Church of Pentecost, where he raised concerns over the destructive impact of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. He pointed to the widespread pollution of rivers and streams, noting that the situation has begun to interfere with key Christian practices, particularly water baptism.
According to the church leader, the contamination of natural water bodies has compelled some congregations to resort to artificial pools for baptisms, highlighting the extent to which environmental degradation is affecting both livelihoods and religious life.
His comments, which struck a chord with many Ghanaians worried about the environmental crisis, were met with a strong reaction from Dr. Awusi.
In a media interview, she cautioned that the pastor could face consequences if he continued to make such statements—remarks that have since sparked criticism from sections of the public who see them as an affront to free expression and religious advocacy.
Responding to the development on April 26, Rev. Prof. Mante firmly defended the role of religious leaders in addressing national issues, insisting that they should not be intimidated for speaking out.
He stressed that moral truth should be upheld regardless of political leadership, declaring that wrongdoing remains wrong irrespective of who is in power. He also dismissed any suggestion of fear, maintaining that clergy have a responsibility to speak boldly on matters affecting society.
