Apostle Eric Nyamekye has publicly forgiven Mary Awusi following a heated controversy sparked by comments related to illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
The reconciliation comes after an emotional public apology by Julius Debrah, who pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of the Free Zones CEO during a church service at the Pentecost International Worship Centre in Trassaco. Reports indicate that the Chief of Staff became visibly emotional as he addressed the issue, describing the remarks as a “slip” and urging the church to forgive.
The controversy began when Apostle Nyamekye raised concerns about the impact of galamsey on water bodies, noting that pollution had made it difficult for some congregations to perform water baptisms. His comments triggered a strong response from Mary Awusi, who criticised the cleric publicly, sparking widespread backlash and debate.
Following the backlash, Awusi issued an apology, acknowledging that her remarks may have been inappropriate and expressing respect for the church leader.
Responding to the Chief of Staff’s plea, Apostle Nyamekye made it clear he harboured no resentment and chose to move on from the incident. “I have forgiven her,” he said, adding that the situation had, unexpectedly, drawn more attention to his ministry.
The incident has drawn national attention, not only because of the individuals involved but also due to the broader context of Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. Galamsey continues to be a major environmental and political issue, with growing concerns about water pollution, land degradation, and long term sustainability.
Analysts say the swift apology and forgiveness help de-escalate tensions between government officials and influential religious institutions, which play a significant role in shaping public opinion in Ghana. The Church of Pentecost, in particular, is one of the largest and most influential Christian denominations in the country.
At the same time, the episode has sparked conversations about public conduct among government appointees, especially on sensitive national issues like galamsey. Some critics argue that such exchanges risk distracting from the core issue of tackling illegal mining, while others see the resolution as a positive example of accountability and reconciliation.
The emotional nature of the apology and the quick resolution suggest a deliberate effort to restore goodwill and maintain strong relations between the state and religious bodies. For now, the matter appears to have been settled, but it leaves behind a broader reminder of the importance of measured public discourse in addressing national challenges.
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