Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff of Ghana, has publicly conveyed a heartfelt expression of contrition to the leadership of the Church of Pentecost following controversial remarks made by Mary Awusi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, which were widely interpreted as critical of the church’s leadership.
Mr Debrah articulated profound regret over the episode, underscoring that the comments attributed to Dr Awusi were neither intended to disparage the institution nor to undermine its spiritual authority. His remarks were delivered during a solemn and emotionally charged thanksgiving service marking his birthday, held on Sunday, April 26, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre Trassaco, where members of the congregation and church leadership were present.
In a candid and reflective address, the Chief of Staff acknowledged that the statements made by his colleague had been unfortunate in tone and perception, describing them as an unintended lapse in expression rather than a calculated affront. Speaking with visible emotion, he extended an unreserved apology on behalf of the administration, appealing to the church community for forgiveness and reaffirming a shared spiritual bond between government officials and the religious body. He emphasised humility and reconciliation, noting that those in public service continue to regard themselves as adherents within the same faith community.
The apology follows a recent dispute triggered by public commentary from Dr Awusi, who had sharply criticised the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Eric Nyamekye, over his denunciation of illegal mining activities, widely referred to as galamsey. The clergyman had highlighted the environmental degradation caused by such practices, including the pollution of river bodies to the extent that certain church branches were reportedly unable to perform baptisms in natural water sources.
Dr Awusi’s response, which many observers characterised as unusually severe, ignited widespread public criticism and prompted calls for restraint and accountability from public officials. The intensity of the backlash ultimately led to her issuing a formal apology, acknowledging the sensitivity of the matter and the stature of the religious institution involved.
In a notable gesture of reconciliation, Apostle Nyamekye responded with measured composure, publicly granting forgiveness to the government appointee during the same service. Addressing the congregation, he indicated that he harboured no resentment, remarking that the controversy had, somewhat unexpectedly, amplified public awareness of both his ministry and the broader activities of the church. With a calm demeanour, he suggested that divergent viewpoints are inevitable in public discourse and emphasised the importance of unity despite differences.
He further reflected that, had he chosen to respond directly and at length, he might have engaged the matter more robustly, yet he deliberately opted for restraint in the interest of harmony. Reassuring congregants, he declared that the issue had been resolved in his mind and encouraged all present to remain at peace, reinforcing a message of forgiveness and collective cohesion.
The episode underscores the delicate intersection between public governance, religious authority, and environmental advocacy within Ghana’s socio political landscape. It also highlights the continuing national debate surrounding illegal mining, whose environmental and social consequences have drawn sustained concern from both civic leaders and faith based organisations.
With apologies rendered and accepted, the development appears to signal a restoration of cordial relations between state officials and one of the country’s most influential religious bodies, even as broader discussions on environmental stewardship and responsible public commentary remain firmly in focus.
