An emotional moment unfolded when Chief of Staff Julius Debrah broke down as he apologised to the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, over a controversy linked to comments made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi.
The incident stems from a public debate over illegal mining (galamsey) and its impact on Ghana’s water bodies.
Apostle Nyamekye had raised concerns at the Church’s 48th General Conference, warning that the destruction of rivers and streams was affecting key religious practices, including water baptism, as well as the livelihoods of people in farming and fishing communities.
However, Dr. Awusi, reacting in an interview on Accra FM on Thursday, April 23, described the Apostle’s remarks as political in nature. While stating that she respected him as a religious leader, she insisted he had crossed into political commentary.
“He’s a man of God, so we will forgive him. But next time, he should not stoop so low. If he descends to that level and behaves like a politician, we will deal with him as a politician,” she said.
She maintained that although she holds the Church leader in high regard, his comments were inappropriate for his office.
“I have shown him respect because he is a man of God and the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost. That statement was highly political,” she added.
Dr. Awusi also referenced conditions in mining communities under previous administrations, arguing that water pollution was not a new issue. “When Nana Addo was president, if you went to mining communities, the water was very muddy. Was he in Ghana or was he not? Did he see it or not? The water flows well now ever since JM came,” she stated.
She further urged Apostle Nyamekye to remain focused on his religious duties rather than engage in political discourse.
“We beg him to focus on his priestly work and leave politics for us,” she said.
The situation later took a conciliatory turn when Chief of Staff Julius Debrah met Apostle Nyamekye and offered an apology over the tensions sparked by the remarks on Sunday, when he was joined by dignitaries including President Mahama and the Vice President, to climax his 60th birthday celebration on Sunday (April 26).
In a visibly emotional moment, Mr. Debrah broke down while expressing regret over the controversy.
In response, Apostle Nyamekye said he harboured no resentment over the matter.
“Dr. Mary Awusi has made our church and myself more popular; I forgive her,” he stated, signalling reconciliation.
Video credit: GTV
