NPP Communicator Condemns Comments Against Church of Pentecost Chairman Over Galamsey Concerns
ICN-GHANA NEWS DESK
April 24, 2026
A leading communicator of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. George Krobea Asante, has strongly criticized remarks made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority against the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, describing them as “reckless, disrespectful, and unfortunate.”
In a statement issued on April 24, Mr. Asante expressed deep concern over what he described as growing intolerance toward criticisms surrounding the illegal mining (galamsey) crisis under the administration of John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, it is both “shocking and hypocritical” that elements within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) are now reacting harshly to concerns about galamsey, an issue he said was previously used as a political tool during the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Mr. Asante noted that during the previous administration, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and environmental activists consistently raised alarm over the destruction of water bodies, forests, and farmlands caused by illegal mining activities. He cited the role played by activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor and the Fix The Country Movement in amplifying public concern and demanding urgent government intervention.
“At the time, the NDC openly embraced these criticisms because they aligned with their political agenda. Today, however, under President Mahama, Ghana’s water bodies continue to deteriorate at an alarming rate, yet those who speak up are being attacked and intimidated,” he stated.
Mr. Asante questioned whether illegal mining had become normalized under the current administration, describing the situation as deeply troubling. He argued that rather than addressing the environmental devastation, government appointees were turning their attention to attacking respected religious leaders.
He emphasized that the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, like any Ghanaian citizen, has a constitutional and moral right to speak on national issues without fear of intimidation.
The NPP communicator further called on President Mahama to publicly condemn the CEO’s comments and take decisive action, including relieving her of her position, if he is committed to upholding democratic values, accountability, and respect for religious leaders.
He warned that failure to act would reinforce perceptions that the government is intolerant of dissenting views.
Mr. Asante signed the statement as Leading Deputy Communications Director of the NPP and a member of The Church of Pentecost.
