A leading communications figure of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority for what he describes as “reckless and disrespectful” comments directed at the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, amid renewed national concern over illegal mining (galamsey).
George Krobea Asante, a leading Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed deep concern over remarks made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority targeting the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost.
According to Asante, the comments made in response to the Chairman’s stance on the worsening galamsey crisis are not only unfortunate but also reflect a troubling level of intolerance toward dissenting views.
He described the situation as both “shocking and hypocritical,” arguing that elements within the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration appear unwilling to accept criticism on illegal mining, despite previously leveraging the same issue for political advantage during the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Asante recalled that under the previous administration, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens consistently raised alarms about the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands.
These concerns, he noted, were further amplified by activists and advocacy groups who organized protests and demanded urgent government action.
“At the time, the NDC openly embraced these criticisms because it aligned with their political agenda,” he stated. “Today, under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s water bodies continue to deteriorate at an alarming rate, yet those who speak out are being attacked and intimidated.”
He questioned whether illegal mining has now been tacitly accepted under the current administration, warning that the government’s response to criticism raises serious concerns about its commitment to accountability.
Asante further argued that rather than addressing the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, government officials appear to be targeting respected religious leaders for speaking out.
“The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, like every Ghanaian, has the constitutional, moral, and civic right to comment on national issues without fear of insults or intimidation,” he emphasized.
He called on President Mahama to publicly condemn the CEO’s remarks and take decisive action, including removing the official from office if necessary.
“Failure to act,” Asante cautioned, “will only deepen public perception that such conduct reflects the broader attitude of the government toward dissenting voices.”
He concluded by signaling that the Church would be compelled to take a position if the situation remains unaddressed.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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