Gospel musician Diana Asamoah has stirred up a debate by invoking a biblical reference to defend her advice to fellow artist Edward Akwasi Boateng on the use of a gifted vehicle.
During a discussion on UTV, Asamoah clarified that her suggestion was not rooted in malice, emphasizing that it was Boateng’s choice whether to heed her counsel or not.
Quoting Acts 3:1-11, Asamoah pointed out that, according to the Bible, Peter and John did not provide financial support to a lame man they encountered, as they themselves lacked funds.
She asserted that, similarly, she couldn’t be compelled to financially support Boateng, prompting reactions from entertainment pundits.
Veteran entertainment pundit Ola Michael challenged Asamoah’s interpretation, contending that her perspective on the Bible quotation was flawed.
“You have quoted wrongly. It’s not about what the quotation says but your interpretation. Because the man was lame, he was being placed there to beg for money.
“But his greatest wish was to be able to walk. So when Peter and John saw him, they went in for what was more important to him, which was for him to be able to walk than money. In your explanation, you were insinuating that they didn’t have money but that was not the case,” Ola Michael stated in an interview on UTV.
He argued that the emphasis in the biblical story was on addressing the man’s desire to walk, not a lack of funds.
Asamoah has faced criticism for publicly advising Boateng to use the gifted vehicle for ride-hailing services.
Various figures in the creative arts industry, including Halifax, have condemned Asamoah, urging her to refrain from publicly disgracing her fellow gospel musician if she cannot offer support.
Edward Akwasi Boateng, who has faced financial hardships in recent years, lost his once-prosperous assets, including seventeen cars, due to difficulties stemming from a troubled marriage.
Prophet Bernard El Bernard, head pastor of Spirit Life Revival Ministry, stepped in to help by gifting Boateng a car, offering a full scholarship for his children’s university education, and committing to a monthly allowance to alleviate his ongoing financial challenges.