Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, has publicly forgiven Dr Mary Awusi, the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, following a week of tension over her remarks regarding his stance on illegal mining (galamsey).

The resolution took place on Sunday, April 26, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in Trassaco.

It followed an emotional intervention by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who moved the congregation to tears while formally apologising on behalf of the government official during his 60th birthday thanksgiving service.

Responding to the apology, Apostle Nyamekye stated that he harbored no resentment toward Dr Awusi, whose previous comments had warned the clergyman to stay out of "political" matters after he noted that water pollution was forcing the church to use synthetic pools for baptisms.

“This lady has actually made me more popular," Apostle Nyamekye remarked with a smile.

"I don’t think much about people like that because, in a way, she has brought more attention to our church and to myself.”

The chairman emphasised the importance of unity despite differing opinions, noting that if he held a grudge, he would have used his platform to address the matter at length.

"I have therefore forgiven her. So don’t worry, I want your heart to be at rest," he told the congregation and the Chief of Staff.

The controversy, which began after Apostle Nyamekye's "State of the Church" address on April 22, had sparked widespread public backlash and prompted a prior retraction and apology from Dr Awusi on Friday.

With the Apostle’s public declaration of forgiveness, the leadership of the church indicated its desire to put the episode behind them.