Julius Debrah Seeks Pentecost Forgiveness Over Free Zones CEO Remarks

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has asked the Church of Pentecost to forgive the government following the public backlash over remarks attributed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi.

Mr Debrah made the appeal on Sunday, April 26, during a visit to the Pentecost International Worship Centre at Trassaco. He was at the church with President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as part of a Thanksgiving service held in honour of his 60th birthday.

The apology came after controversy linked to comments Dr Awusi made during an interview on Accra FM on Friday, April 24. The remarks, which touched on the Church of Pentecost and public debate over galamsey, triggered criticism and wider public discussion.

Debrah Pleads For Reconciliation

Addressing the congregation, Mr Debrah said the comments were not intended to insult the church or damage its reputation. He presented the matter as a mistake that should be met with understanding rather than prolonged division.

"Forgive us, it was just a slip, it wasn't intentionally done to malign our church. I believe sincerely that you will forgive us and forgive us and accept us as your children," he said.

His tone during the service was emotional, and he used the occasion of his birthday thanksgiving to appeal directly to church leaders and members. The Chief of Staff framed the issue as one that affected not only one government appointee, but also other officials who are members of the Church of Pentecost and value their relationship with the institution.

He mentioned that several senior public officials have close personal ties to the church, including himself and former National Chairman of the NDC, Elder Samuel Ofosu Ampofo. He also referred to the Local Government Minister and other government figures as members of the denomination.

"The chairman of our church, you know myself, Honourable Elder Ofosu Ampofo, our local government minister and several others are members of your church. A few days ago, one of our colleagues, Dr Mary Awusi, slipped a bit against you, and I would want on this occasion to commemorate my birthday to let the whole church forgive us," he added.

What Sparked The Controversy

The matter began after Dr Mary Awusi's interview on Accra FM on April 24. In that interview, she acknowledged that some of her comments may have been misinterpreted or may not have been well received by sections of the public.

The remarks attracted attention because of the Church of Pentecost's visible role in national conversations on illegal mining, commonly called galamsey. The church has been among institutions speaking on the environmental and social cost of illegal mining, an issue that continues to dominate public debate in Ghana.

Although the full dispute centred on comments made by Dr Awusi, the response quickly moved beyond one interview. It became a broader question of how government officials engage religious bodies, civil society groups and moral voices that comment on national policy issues.

For many church members and observers, the concern was not only whether the remarks were politically sharp, but whether they appeared to dismiss or undermine the church's standing. Mr Debrah's intervention therefore sought to calm tensions before the matter hardened into a larger confrontation between government actors and a major Christian denomination.

• Julius Debrah appealed for forgiveness at PIWC Trassaco on Sunday, April 26.
• The service was part of activities marking his 60th birthday.
• President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang were present.
• The controversy followed Dr Mary Awusi's Accra FM interview on Friday, April 24.
• Dr Awusi is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority.

A Careful Political And Religious Moment

The Church of Pentecost is one of Ghana's most influential Christian bodies, with a wide membership base and a strong public voice on social issues. Any public disagreement involving its leadership can quickly become politically sensitive, especially when senior state officials are involved.

Mr Debrah's apology was therefore more than a personal expression of regret. It was also an attempt to preserve a relationship that matters in both civic and religious life. By speaking inside a Pentecost congregation, and in the presence of the President and Vice President, the Chief of Staff signalled that government was not interested in escalating the dispute.

His words also showed awareness of the personal overlap between government and the church. Several public officials are active members of Christian denominations, and in Ghana's public life, religious affiliation often shapes trust, credibility and community ties.

The Chief of Staff's repeated plea for forgiveness placed emphasis on reconciliation. He asked the church to accept the apology in good faith and continue its relationship with government officials and the wider state apparatus.

Dr Awusi had already apologised to the Church of Pentecost Chairman over the galamsey-related remarks, according to reports surrounding the controversy. Mr Debrah's appeal now adds the weight of the Office of the Chief of Staff to efforts to close the matter.

The coming days will show whether the apology settles the concerns raised by members of the church and the wider public. For now, the government's message is clear: the remarks were a mistake, not a deliberate attack, and the Chief of Staff wants the Church of Pentecost to treat the matter as one that can be forgiven.