Tensions flared at the Abundant Life Assemblies of God Church in Bohyen-Adumanu, Kumasi, as members protested against the induction of a new head pastor.
The situation escalated to the point where armed security personnel reportedly had to be called in.
A video shared by user @eddie_wrt shows church members holding placards and wearing red bands around their heads and necks. They can be seen and heard protesting vehemently towards a group of men in suits and military uniforms.
“Chaos erupted yesterday as some members of the Abundant Life Assemblies of God Church at Bohyen-Adumanu, Kumasi, protested against the induction of a new pastor to head the branch. Despite the misunderstanding and protest, the head of the church in the Ashanti Region proceeded with the induction in the presence of armed security men,” the caption of the video reads.
The reasons behind the congregation’s opposition to the new pastor are unclear. However, comments under the post suggest various possible motivations.
Some claim internal church politics and unfulfilled promises made by pastors seeking votes.
“I was told the induction happened, they were not even allowed into the church,” wrote one commenter. Another expressed frustration, saying, “They could’ve used this same energy to demand developments from their DCE, MCE, MP, president, and vice.”
One comment pointed to possible political manoeuvring within the church: “Clearly there’s a foul play somewhere, these pastors also do politics. They make promises to their fellow pastors for votes, then later try to fulfill them at all cost. Personal interest nkoaa.”
Another user commented on the broader issue of employment in Ghana, stating, “The only real job in Ghana is politics and preaching. Everything else is not really a job, we just doing some nonsense thing in town.”
The protest and subsequent induction, despite the objections, highlight underlying tensions within the church community.
The use of armed security to manage the situation underscores the seriousness of the conflict.