The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mary Awusi, has issued an apology following intense public backlash over controversial remarks she made about Apostle Eric Nyamekye amid the ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.
Her initial comments, made during a political talk show on Class Media Group, were widely criticised as disrespectful after she questioned the clergyman’s spiritual standing and warned against a repeat of his statements.
The controversy was triggered by concerns raised by Apostle Nyamekye during a church council meeting, where he highlighted the worsening pollution of Ghana’s water bodies due to illegal mining activities.
He noted that the situation had become so severe that the Church of Pentecost was considering alternative methods for water baptism, citing health and safety risks associated with using contaminated natural water sources.
In response to the growing criticism, Madam Awusi has sought to clarify her position and express regret over her earlier remarks.
“Maybe in the process of also expressing my opinion… if I said something that isn’t nice, I apologise,” she said in an interview on Accra 100.5 FM.
She added, “If my words were misunderstood or deemed inappropriate, I sincerely apologize. I respect the man, his office, his age, and his contributions.”
Critics from across the political divide have described the CEO’s earlier remarks as inappropriate and unprovoked.
