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Ghana Free Zones Authority CEO apologizes to Church of Pentecost Chairman over galamsey remarks
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Dr. Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, has issued an apology to Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. The apology follows Dr. Awusi's earlier comments threatening to "deal with" Apostle Nyamekye regarding his public statements on illegal mining, known as galamsey. Speaking on Accra FM, Dr. Awusi acknowledged that her remarks may have offended the church leader, the Church, and the public, stating, "I retract and apologise. I have great respect for the man of God, considering his position as Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. In expressing myself, I may have offended him, the Church, and the general public, and for that, I sincerely apologise. I am human." Her initial warning came after Apostle Nyamekye raised concerns about galamsey during the 48th General Conference of the Church of Pentecost, highlighting its impact on water bodies and traditional baptism practices.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO is poised to begin its investigation into Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, a businessman and Council of State member, regarding accusations of gold trade fraud. This development follows the expiration of a 10-day injunction that had prevented EOCO from investigating Dr Kwamigah-Atokple and his company, Sesi-Edem Company Limited. An application by the Council of State member and his company to extend the injunction was not heard. During court proceedings on April 23, 2026, the judge referred three motions, including a contempt motion, to the Chief Justice for transfer to High Court 1, Adenta, stating that he believed these matters should have been filed there. The judge adjourned the matter indefinitely, despite opposition from the lawyers for Dr Kwamigah-Atokple and his company. The EOCO investigation originates from petitions by companies such as J.G Resources Ltd and Unigold Trading LLC, which allege they paid approximately GH¢57.7 million for about 50 kilograms of gold from Sesi-Edem, but either received incomplete delivery or no delivery at all. EOCO is also reportedly investigating potential money laundering in connection with the case.
Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has urged President John Mahama to remove Madam Mary Ewusi, CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Board GFZB, from her position. This call follows remarks made by Madam Ewusi concerning Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. Apostle Nyamekye had expressed concerns about the impact of illegal mining, known as galamsey, on Ghana's water bodies, noting its effect on the church's river baptisms. Madam Ewusi reportedly warned Apostle Nyamekye against commenting on galamsey, threatening consequences if he continued. Nana Boakye described Madam Ewusi's reaction as a "distasteful attack" on a respected religious leader and characterized it as part of a broader strategy by the current administration to silence critics. He demanded the immediate revocation of Madam Ewusi's appointment and an apology from President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress NDC leadership to Apostle Eric Nyamekye and the Church of Pentecost. Madam Mary Ewusi has since apologized. Nana Boakye affirmed that the opposition and the public would not be silenced regarding the government's performance and vowed that the NPP would continue to hold the administration accountable.
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Must ReadThe South African Police Service has condemned recent attacks on Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents, stating that such actions are unlawful and contradict the nation's values of dignity, equality, and human rights. In a statement shared on April 24, 2026, the Ministry of Police warned that xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated, and the South African Police Service SAPS has been instructed to act decisively against those involved. The Ministry urged communities to remain calm and reject division, calling on leaders and organizations to collaborate with law enforcement to prevent further violence. This condemnation follows a viral video showing a South African woman confronting a Ghanaian resident and calling for foreigners to leave. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for a full investigation into the incidents, stating that the South African Foreign Minister has expressed empathy and promised action. Ablakwa also noted that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa, led by High Commissioner Benjamin Quarshie, is providing consular assistance to affected citizens, confirming that no Ghanaian lives have been lost. He urged calm among Ghanaians and reaffirmed the Mahama Administration's commitment to protecting its citizens.