Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, a respected former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has strongly rejected attempts to intimidate religious leaders. These leaders have been vocal opponents of illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. Professor Mante declared that the church will continue to speak truth to power without any fear. His firm stance comes after a warning issued by Mavis Awusi. Awusi is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority. She had stated that Apostle Eric Nyamekye would face consequences if he continued highlighting the environmental damage caused by galamsey operations.
Preaching on Sunday, April 26, Professor Mante dismissed these threats completely. He stressed that the church’s fundamental role is to condemn wrongdoing. This duty, he said, exists regardless of political considerations. "Tell the woman we are not afraid of her," Professor Mante stated. He clarified that their pronouncements are not tied to any political party. "We are not afraid of anybody. If something is sin, it is sin whether it is under Akufo-Addo, Mahama or whoever. If it is evil, it is evil," he added. The current controversy began with recent comments from Apostle Nyamekye. He had alerted the Church of Pentecost’s General Council Meeting. He spoke about the severe pollution of water bodies. He even noted that some church congregations now use artificial pools for baptism services.
Professor Mante further emphasized that the church's advocacy is rooted in a moral obligation. It is not driven by partisan interests. He cautioned against efforts to politicize the critical issue of galamsey. "It is not about party issues at all. If people cannot think beyond parties, they should stop opening their mouths," he advised those issuing threats. He reaffirmed the historical and ongoing role of religious leaders in Ghanaian national discourse. Leaders of faith have consistently provided independent counsel. They are not influenced by political power. "We were there before there was a party," Professor Mante reminded listeners. He underscored the church’s unwavering commitment. They will continue to voice concerns about issues affecting the nation's well-being.
The galamsey menace poses significant economic and environmental challenges to Ghana. It has led to widespread destruction of forests and water bodies. This illegal activity disrupts legitimate mining operations and impacts agricultural lands. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana has consistently reported on the devastating effects. Illicit mining activities are estimated to cost the country billions of Ghana cedis annually. These losses stem from environmental degradation and unrecovered mineral resources. The government has made numerous efforts to combat galamsey. These include deploying security forces and implementing new laws. However, the scale of the problem often overwhelms these measures, highlighting the deeply entrenched nature of the illegal mining network. The involvement of religious leaders in highlighting these issues brings significant moral weight and public attention to the campaign against galamsey, potentially influencing public opinion and government action.