Christian missionary, apologist and politician, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has condemned what he describes as the public denigration and insult of the Chairman of the The Church of Pentecost by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority over comments on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In a press statement issued on April 24, Dr Boakye-Danquah described the alleged remarks by the Free Zones CEO, Dr Mary Awusi, as deeply troubling, saying they constituted not only a personal affront to the church leader but also disrespect toward the wider Christian community in Ghana.

He defended the church’s position on illegal mining, arguing that the Church of Pentecost's Chairman’s comments reflected a principled and patriotic stance grounded in Christian values and concern for the nation’s future.

“The Church’s call for integrity in the fight against illegal mining is a genuine, patriotic and biblically grounded position,” he stated.

He added that responding to such concerns with insults and contempt was unbecoming of a public officer.

Dr Boakye-Danquah said religious leaders and institutions have a legitimate moral voice on issues of national concern and should not be attacked for speaking on matters affecting the environment, livelihoods and future generations.

He called on the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority to issue an immediate and unqualified public apology to the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost and to the Christian community at large.

He also urged the Office of the Chief of Staff to issue a formal statement clarifying whether the alleged conduct breaches the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and what measures would be taken to uphold civility and respect in public discourse.

According to him, Ghana’s democracy flourishes when state officials respect religious leaders and the moral conscience of the nation, warning against normalising attacks on faith leaders who speak out on issues of public interest.

“I stand with the Church of Pentecost and the broader Christian body. We demand accountability, civility and respect,” he said.

The statement adds to growing public discourse around illegal mining and the role of faith-based institutions in advocating environmental protection and national accountability.

Read the full statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT
By Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah
_Christian Missionary, Apologist & Politician_
April 24, 2026

Re: CEO of Ghana Free Zones Board’s Denigration of Chairman, Church of Pentecost*

I have noted with grave concern the recent conduct of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Board, wherein she publicly denigrated and insulted the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost — the largest Pentecostal denomination in Ghana — over his principled Christian stance and statement on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

As a Christian missionary, apologist, and politician, I unequivocally condemn this act. It is an affront not only to the person of the Chairman, but a direct splash of disrespect on the entire Christian community in Ghana, whose moral voice on matters of national concern must be protected, not attacked.

The Church’s call for integrity in the fight against illegal mining is a genuine, patriotic, and biblically grounded position. To respond with insults and contempt is unbecoming of a public officer who serves under the authority of the President of the Republic.

I therefore call for:

1. An immediate and unqualified public apology* from the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Board to the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost and to the Christian community at large.
2. A formal statement from the Chief of Staff* clarifying whether this conduct constitutes a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and what remedial actions will be taken to uphold the dignity of public discourse.

Ghana’s democracy thrives when state officials respect religious leaders and the moral conscience of the nation. We cannot normalize the denigration of faith leaders for speaking truth to power on issues that affect our environment, livelihoods, and future generations.

I stand with the Church of Pentecost and the broader Christian body. We demand accountability, civility, and respect.

Signed,
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah