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Church of Pentecost Chairman's galamsey comments spark backlash from Ghana Free Zones Authority CEO
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, announced on April 22, 2026, that the church will cease using rivers for baptism due to extensive pollution from illegal mining, known as galamsey. He stated that dedicated baptistries would be used instead to protect members' health. This decision, revealed during the State of the Church Address at the 48th General Conference, drew criticism from Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority and a senior National Democratic Congress figure. Speaking on Accra FM on April 23, 2026, Dr. Awusi accused Apostle Nyamekye of making politically motivated comments and warned him against repeating such remarks, threatening to "deal with him" if he did. She questioned why he had not spoken out against water pollution during the previous administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Apostle Nyamekye's exact words highlighted the health and safety concerns in galamsey-endemic communities and the church's intensified advocacy with government stakeholders to combat illegal mining.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Ghana Medical Association GMA plans to petition the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology to support a wider ban on single-use plastics. Professor Ernest Yorke, President of the GMA, stated on Friday, July 24, 2026, that expanding the proposed ban beyond Styrofoam food containers would help reduce plastic pollution, improve sanitation, and address issues like flooding. Speaking at the 26th Annual Public Lecture in Koforidua, Professor Yorke emphasized that plastic waste contributes to blocked drains, exacerbating flooding, though he acknowledged other factors like urbanization and inadequate drainage. He expressed hope for the full implementation of the government's planned Styrofoam ban next year and called for broader restrictions on other single-use plastic products. Professor Yorke also highlighted the link between food safety and environmental management, stressing the need for improved waste collection, recycling, public education, and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations alongside a ban. He concluded that food safety is a shared responsibility among government, industry, vendors, farmers, consumers, and healthcare professionals, and that sustainable packaging practices are crucial for public health and Ghana's development goals.
Must ReadGhana's Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, delivered the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026. This presentation, a statutory requirement under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 Act 921, updated Parliament on the nation's economic performance for the first half of the year. The review also outlined the government's fiscal strategy for the remainder of 2026, assessing economic management over the past six months, including revenue mobilization, public expenditure, debt servicing, and the country's overall fiscal position.
South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, stated that recent migration-related tensions will not strain the relationship between Ghana and South Africa. Following a visit to Ghana as a special envoy, Lamola conveyed a message from President Ramaphosa to President John Dramani Mahama and discussed matters of mutual interest, including Ghana's concerns about its citizens in South Africa. He affirmed both nations' commitment to preserving strong bilateral relations, emphasizing that current migration challenges will not impact their long-standing friendship. Lamola also explained South Africa's approach to migration management, asserting that while countries can enforce immigration laws, it must be regular and orderly, adhering to international and regional protocols. He acknowledged Ghana's concerns regarding migrant reports, condemning vigilantism and any unlawful actions against foreign nationals, and assured that authorities would investigate incidents and hold culprits accountable.