The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has reaffirmed the Church’s right to engage in national discourse, asserting that its involvement in public affairs is a moral and spiritual obligation rather than an act of political partisanship.
The statement follows remarks attributed to Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, who suggested that Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, could be perceived as a politician if he continued to comment on national issues such as illegal mining.
In a statement dated April 28, 2026, and signed by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Conference emphasized that the Church’s voice on societal issues is grounded in its divine mandate to uphold moral and ethical standards.
According to the Bishops, the Church cannot remain silent when confronted with matters that threaten human dignity, environmental integrity, or the common good. They stressed that speaking on issues such as illegal mining reflects a responsibility rooted in Gospel values rather than political alignment.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining a distinction between religious and political spheres in a democratic society, the Conference cautioned against using that distinction to silence the Church’s moral authority. It maintained that the Church does not seek political power but aims to guide public life through ethical reflection on justice, peace, and care for creation.
The Bishops also noted reports that Dr. Awusi has since issued an apology but warned that such characterisations risk undermining constructive public discourse. They argued that equating moral advocacy with political partisanship could limit space for necessary ethical engagement.
Commending the Christian community for its measured response to the issue, the Conference described the reaction as an example of responsible leadership. It further urged clergy and lay leaders to remain committed to truth and moral clarity, while encouraging political actors to remain receptive to the contributions of faith-based institutions.
The statement concluded with a call for unity, dialogue, and peace, alongside prayers for wisdom and guidance for Ghana’s leaders and citizens.
