Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, has publicly forgiven Mary Awusi following a recent dispute over comments on illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Speaking at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) Trassaco on Sunday, Nyamekye said he bore no ill will towards the government appointee, whose earlier remarks criticising him had sparked widespread public debate.
The development comes shortly after Julius Debrah made an emotional appeal for forgiveness on behalf of government, during which he broke down in tears while addressing the congregation.
“This lady has actually made me more popular. I don’t think much about people like that because, in a way, she has brought more attention to our church and to myself,” Nyamekye said, drawing laughter from the audience.
He added that while he had the opportunity to respond more forcefully, he chose reconciliation instead.
“If I had anything against her and had been given the opportunity to speak for about 45 minutes, I would have addressed it directly. However, I believe we all have different opinions on issues, and it is important that we come together despite those differences. I have therefore forgiven her,” he said.
The controversy began after Nyamekye raised concerns about the environmental impact of illegal mining during a church address, noting that pollution of water bodies had disrupted traditional baptism practices in some communities.
Awusi’s response in a media interview, in which she criticised the clergyman’s remarks, drew backlash from sections of the public and religious leaders, prompting her to later issue an apology.
Nyamekye’s decision to forgive appears to ease tensions that had escalated between sections of government and religious leadership, as debate continues over the environmental and social consequences of galamsey.
