A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bono Region, Shadrack Abrefa-Mensah, has fiercely condemned remarks attributed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mary Awusi, describing them as “shameful” and a direct affront to the Christian community.
The criticism follows comments reportedly made by Awusi during a radio appearance on Accra FM, where she is alleged to have taken on the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, after he raised concerns about the escalating crisis of illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. She is said to have warned the respected cleric to “keep quiet” or face consequences.
Speaking in an interview with Asaase News, Abrefa-Mensah former Bono Regional Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and a contender for the NPP’s Bono Regional Youth Organiser position did not hold back in his reaction.
“This is not only shameful but an outright disrespect to the Christian clergy and the entire religious body,” he said. “Such statements have the potential to undermine the peace, cohesion, and long-standing relationship between the Church and the state.”
He cautioned that inflammatory rhetoric directed at religious leaders could erode national unity in a country where faith remains a central pillar of social life.
Mr. Abrefa Mensah called on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene, arguing that the matter demands urgent apology.
“The President, as a member of the Assemblies of God Church, has a responsibility to call Dr. Mary Awusi to order,” he stressed.
He urged the Free Zones CEO to issue an immediate and unqualified apology to the Church of Pentecost and the broader Christian community.
In a further escalation, Mr. Mensah extended his call to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting the party must also take responsibility.
“I call on President Mahama and the entire NDC as a party to apologise to the Church of Pentecost and the entire Christian community,” he stated.
Touching on the underlying issue, Mr. Mensah argued that illegal mining has worsened under the current administration, accusing government officials of failing to support those advocating for environmental protection.
“Illegal mining activities have escalated under this administration compared to the previous one,” he claimed. “There appears to be no strength among NDC members to support individuals who are speaking up for the country and calling for an end to the destruction of our river bodies.”
He also challenged the government’s “reset” agenda, urging a shift from rhetoric to action.
“If the NDC says they are resetting, then they should focus on resetting the system and stop the comparisons. Ghanaians want to see real action against galamsey,” he said.
The development adds fresh intensity to Ghana’s ongoing national conversation on illegal mining, governance accountability, and the role of religious leaders in public discourse issues that continue to test the country’s social cohesion and moral authority.
Reporting by Daniel Donkor-Bono Region
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