'We're not afraid of anybody'- Rev Prof Mante fumes over 'attack on clergyman for galamsey comments

Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante delivered a forceful condemnation of illegal mining on Sunday, April 26, at the Victory Congregation of the Presbyterian Church at Adenta Frafraha in Accra. He stated, "Tell that woman we're not afraid of her. It's not about the party. We're not afraid of anybody… If something is a sin, it is a sin, whether it is under Akufo-Addo or under Mahama or whoever. If it is evil, it is evil."

Rev. Prof. Mante recalled leading a delegation with the head of the Church of Pentecost to meet a sitting President to demand action against galamsey when he was Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana. He cautioned Ghanaians against reducing national crises to partisan arguments, saying, "If people cannot think beyond party, they should stop opening their mouths… We're not afraid of anybody, no party. We were there before there was a party." His remarks followed recent controversy where the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority criticised the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost over comments condemning illegal mining, which led to an apology from the CEO.

The remarks from the former Presbyterian Moderator add to increasing pressure on authorities to intensify enforcement against illegal mining and strengthen environmental protection.