We are not afraid of you – Fmr Presby Moderator criticizes Dr. Awusi over galamsey

Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante says the church will not be intimidated over its stance against galamsey.

He made the remarks during a Sunday service while reacting to comments by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi, directed at the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Eric Kwabena Nyamekye.

“I have heard that there is somebody who said a senior pastor has talked against galamsey, so she’s shouting at him. Tell that woman we are not afraid of her,” he said.

The former Moderator insisted that moral issues such as illegal mining must not be reduced to partisan debate.

“It’s not about party. Like the Pope said, ‘I am not afraid of Trump’s administration’. If something is sin, it is sin,” he stressed.

Drawing a sharp line on the matter, he added, “Whether it’s under Akufo-Addo or Mahama or whoever, if it is evil, it is evil.”

Mr. Mante also turned his attention to the broader public, warning of the long-term consequences of illegal mining if it is allowed to continue unchecked.

“And you Ghanaians you sit there and let the galamsey go on, all your children and grandchildren will just die early. I don’t understand. Why? Why?” he questioned.

The comments come amid an ongoing public exchange sparked after Dr. Awusi, speaking on Accra FM, cautioned Apostle Nyamekye against making statements she described as political.

“I am warning him not to descend to that level. If he lowers himself to become a politician, we will deal with him as a politician. His statement was highly political,” she said.

Apostle Nyamekye had earlier raised concerns about the impact of galamsey on religious practices, noting that pollution of river bodies has disrupted baptism, forcing the church to resort to alternative arrangements.

Mr. Mante’s intervention adds to growing pressure from religious leaders demanding stronger action against illegal mining.