Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has joined the growing criticism of remarks made by Dr. Mavis Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, directed at Apostle Eric Nyamekye.
The controversy began after Apostle Nyamekye spoke at the Church of Pentecost’s General Council Meeting, raising concerns about the severe environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. He emphasized the widespread pollution of rivers and streams, noting that the crisis is now affecting religious practices such as water baptism.
According to him, the contamination of natural water bodies has forced some congregations to abandon their use for baptisms, turning instead to artificial pools—an indication of how deeply the issue is impacting both daily life and spiritual observance.
While many Ghanaians welcomed his comments as a necessary call to action, Dr. Awusi responded critically in a media interview, warning that the church leader would be “dealt with” if he continued making such statements. Her remarks sparked backlash, with critics interpreting them as an attempt to intimidate religious voices speaking on national concerns.
Weighing in on the issue during a sermon on Sunday, April 26, Very Rev. Mante strongly defended the right of clergy to address societal problems without fear of political pressure.
“Talking about galamsey, I have heard that there is somebody who says that some senior pastor has spoken against it, and she is shouting at him,” he said.
“Tell that woman we are not afraid of her. This is not about politics. We are not afraid of anybody. As the Pope once said, I am not afraid of any administration—if something is a sin, then it is a sin, whether it happens under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, John Dramani Mahama, or anyone else.”
