TIG Post

Tag: churches

  • I will not tax churches, gov’t should rather be paying them for the good works – Bawumia

    I will not tax churches, gov’t should rather be paying them for the good works – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has pledged to provide incentives to churches in recognition of their contribution to the country’s development if he is elected president.

    During a meeting with the clergy as part of his Bono regional tour, Dr. Bawumia highlighted some interventions and contributions made by the church since independence to justify his pledge.

    At the gathering, the Flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party said “If you look at the work the church has done, we should rather be paying them rather than them paying us. Unless you don’t understand the work the church has done”.

    Dr Bawumia further explained that “If you look at the building, the way they’re trying to keep the society together, the universities, the hospitals, the schools, it’s just massive. Many churches have hundreds of schools so I don’t see and I will not have a situation where we’re taxing the churches. We rather want to give churches incentives to support what government is doing.”

    The flagbearer likened the church to development partners and announced his administration’s intention to forge a closer relationship with them.

    “I want us to be partners in the way that development partners are with us. You are our domestic development partners and we’ll give you incentives to do more.”

    The Vice President is concluding his Bono regional tour and is poised to extend his campaign to other regions as he seeks to succeed President Akufo-Addo.

  • No taxes from churches; I will incentivize them when I win power – Bawumia promises

    No taxes from churches; I will incentivize them when I win power – Bawumia promises

    Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced that his administration intends to provide incentives to churches to engage in more developmental initiatives instead of imposing taxes on them.

    He asserts that churches are well-equipped to collaborate with the government in advancing development within the nation.

    This declaration arises in the midst of initial debates regarding the potential taxation of churches.

    Nevertheless, Dr. Bawumia opposes this idea, highlighting the crucial societal role that churches fulfil.

    During a meeting with the clergy in the Bono East region as part of his ongoing nationwide tour, the NPP flagbearer noted, “If you look at the work the church has done, we should rather be paying them than they are paying us.

    “Unless you don’t understand the work the church has done,. If you are looking at the buildings, way they keep society together, the universities, the hospitals, and the schools—it is massive.

    It is just massive. Many churches have hundreds of schools. So I don’t see and I will not have a situation where we are taxing churches.”

    “We will rather want to give churches incentives to support what the government is doing. I want us to be partners in the same way that the development partners are with us.

    You are our domestic development partners and we will give you incentives to do more.”

  • ‘A lot of churches will die if there are no instruments’ – Rev. Eastwood on too much fun in church

    ‘A lot of churches will die if there are no instruments’ – Rev. Eastwood on too much fun in church

    A surfaced video features Reverend Eastwood Anaba expressing concern about churches prioritizing entertainment over the core purpose of listening to the word of God.

    “When you go to these our churches, sometimes I just imagine. If there is no drum, there is no organist, there is no guitarist and you take away all the music and the entertainment, many of our churches will die.

    I mean, you remove that, it will be like the oxygen support has been removed and that is because the entertainment in our churches, sometimes, I think is too much,” he said.

    He added that when a pastor is invited to a convention to speak, it often turns into “one song after the other, one dance after the other, choreography and somersaulting and all that.”

    Using examples such as kiosks, mosques, lorry stations, and chop bars, he emphasized that each of these places serves a specific purpose, and he wouldn’t exchange that for anything else.

    “I’ve never entered a ‘chop bar’ and they said ‘praise and worship’ before the food is brought. They know exactly why they exist so as soon as you sit down, they come to you with a menu. They want to know what you want to eat because the purpose there is eating,” he Reverend Anaba noted. 

    He, therefore, stressed that the purpose of the church is not entertainment yet “you see a lot of the singing but the singing is not for worship. The singing is actually for entertainment and there is nothing wrong with that. But when the harp, and the viol, and the tabret and the pipe and the wine are in their feast but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operations of his hands.”

    He went on to explain that it meant churches had followed entertainment until they were no longer in a position of authority.

    “How many pastors walk into church on Sunday and their aim is that today is there is a leper in my church he should be cleansed, if a dead person is there he should be raised, if there is a cripple the person should walk?,” he asked.


    Reverend Anaba emphasized that many pastors are primarily occupied with providing entertainment, delivering appealing sermons, and collecting offerings. He concluded that there needs to be a shift in the church’s approach, emphasizing a greater focus on healing and salvation rather than mere entertainment.

    The recording date of this sermon by Reverend Eastwood Anaba is unclear, but some anticipate that the video will spark a debate potentially leading to a change in the church’s modus operandi. Others have suggested that music and entertainment possess unique psychological and spiritual healing effects that should not be overlooked or underestimated.

  • Unlicenced churches to be closed down by EPA

    Unlicenced churches to be closed down by EPA

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will close churches in the Volta Region that operate without a permit.

    In an interview with the media, the Director of EPA in the Volta Region, Hope Smith Lomotey, said the move by EPA was necessitated after some churches in the region failed to comply with the required standards of operating a church under the EPA’s regulations.

    Mr. Lomotey also noted that, although some churches have acquired permits to operate in authorized areas, they are yet to renew their permits and may also be affected by the Agency’s enforcement.

    According to him, churches must apply for a permit before establishing their churches.

    He added that the move is also to address complaints of excessive noise caused by churches in unauthorized locations causing nuisance to residents, especially at night.

    “Some [Churches] have applied for permits, others have not, so we are regularising those who have not. The challenge we have is that most of these churches, they establish before they apply for regularisation.

    “But you are supposed to apply, after the application, we check and see if the place is conducive enough for such a facility.”

  • Did CNN goof in its report on LGBTQI+ and churches in Ghana getting foreign funding?

    An exclusive investigation conducted by CNN has cited some Ghanaian churches as having received foreign aid and funding from United States, United Kingdom and European donors who support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQ+) activities.

    These churches, according to the report, despite their strong support for the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill in parliament, have benefitted from funding from intergovernmental organisations that support LGBTQ rights and activities for developmental purposes.

    CNN’s findings cited Churches and Christian institutions, including the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), Evangelical Presbyterian Church (CCG member), Methodist Church (CCG member), Presbyterian Church (CCG member), and the Catholic Church, as having received not less than $5.1 million of monies from donors for development projects by or for the church.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Nairobi churches and mosques urged to reduce noise

    In Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, churches and mosques have been encouraged to be “considerate” and lower excessive noise levels on their property.

    In a tweet, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said he will be having a discussion with religious leaders on regulating noise levels.

    The city recently banned nightclubs from operating in residential areas following complaints from residents about noise and many people have called for a similar ban on worship places – known for having loud music systems.

    Mr Sakaja said: “Even with the nightclubs; we didn’t start by shutting them down. We spoke to them over time, they agreed to comply but some ignored. Then we took action.”

    Earlier on Thursday, the governor said he will not close down places of worship but will instead initiate dialogue.

    Nairobi has a large number of evangelical churches where loud music is common during worship and overnight vigils.

    Source: BBC

  • Churches reopening is ‘great blessing’ – Archbishop

    Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, says it is a “great blessing” that English churches will soon be able to open their doors to worshippers again.

    The government is set to announce next week that all places of worship in England can allow private individual prayer from 15 June.

    Nichols said: “Not every Catholic church will be open on 15 June. Local decisions and provision have to lead this process. But it is a great blessing for individuals and for the benefit of all in society, that church doors will again be open to all who long to pray there for the peace and grace we need today.”

    According to The Sunday Times, the government might soon also allow outdoor weddings, currently limited to Jews and Quakers. The report also claims restrictions on weddings and funerals will be eased to enable up to 10 people to attend such occasions indoors from early July.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: ICGC remains closed

    The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), one of the popular churches in Ghana with a large congregation, has announced that it will remain closed despite government’s decision to ease coronavirus restrictions and allow religious bodies to operate.

    In his 10th address to the nation on Sunday, President Nana Akufo-Addo stated that churches and mosques can admit up 100 people during service. Church services, in particular, are not to extend beyond one hour.

    However, members of ICGC will have to wait a little longer to return to church because the Presbytery – the church’s highest decision-making body – has advised its local assemblies to remain closed until further notice.

    A statement released on Tuesday by the church said that “all ICGC local assemblies will continue to fellowship together on-air and on-line as we join the General Overseer on Sundays for services, as we do now.”

    The statement signed by the General Secretary, Rev. Morris Appiah said, the “church will use the month of June to assess, monitor and evaluate all protocols in simulation exercises with selected local assemblies in various districts.”

    Read the full statement below:

    HEAD OFFICE OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION DIRECTIVES ON REOPENING ICGC ASSEMBLIES

    Greetings to you all in the name of Jesus Christ in Our Year of Excellence.

    The Presbytery of the Church has considered the directives issued by the Government of Ghana for the commencement of church services on the 7th of June 2020.

    In line with this, the Presbytery hereby directs Pastors and ICGC local assemblies as follows:

    1.0 Non-Opening of ICGC Churches
    No ICGC local assembly shall be opened to run in-person church services until so advised by the Presbytery.

    2.0 Sunday Services

    All ICGC local assemblies will continue to fellowship together on air and on-line as we join the General Overseer on Sundays for services, as we do now.

    3.0 Mid-week Services

    Local Pastors will continue to minister to their congregations through on-line, on air, and social media channels during the week (Mondays – Saturdays).

    4.0 Other church services

    The Presbytery will soon issue directives on the conduct of weddings and funerals in our local assemblies.

    Guidelines for Reopening of Churches

    a. The Church will use the month of June to assess, monitor and evaluate all protocols in simulation exercises with selected local assemblies in various districts. This will enable us to determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of the protocols throughout our churches nation-wide various districts. This will enable us to determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of the protocols throughout our churches nationwide.

    b. The Presbytery will issue clear instructions on the next steps to be followed by the Church depending on the outcomes of (a) above.

    C. At the appropriate time, the Presbytery will issue instructions on the phased re-opening of local assemblies which will be informed by the following key factors:

    i. The trend of the virus infections country-wide

    ii. The reports on the spread of the virus in the districts where ICGC local assemblies are located

    iii. The preparedness of the local assemblies in various districts to run church services.

    6.0 Compliance All pastors and local assemblies shall fully comply with these and other subsequent directives issued by Presbytery.

    7.0 Conclusion We are mindful of the need for our congregations to gather and worship freely and openly. However, the current situation demands that we also consider the health and safety of all congregants.

    We pray that God will grant us the wisdom to offer the right guidance to the Church in these uncertain times.

    I entreat you all to keep praying fervently for the Church, Ghana, and the nations. I am convinced we will come out of this better and stronger.

    Rev. Morris Appiah
    General Secretary

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Churches risk closure over violation of coronavirus safety protocols

    Government has stated that churches or other religious bodies that flout the coronavirus safety protocols risk being closed or dealt with appropriately.

    The Minister of Religious Affairs, Kofi Dzamesi, told journalists at a news conference on Monday night, June 1, 2020.

    He says Government shall strictly ensure compliance with the safety protocols that have been put in place as churches and mosques prepare to reopen.

    He says social distancing and other safety protocols such as not having more than 100 congregants per service must strictly be adhered to.

    He stated that churches and mosques should not allow their members who do not wear face masks to enter for service

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • We care about you, so were no resuming church activities -Spiritlife Revival

    Another church, the SpiritLife Revival has also suspended all gatherings despite the easing of restrictions on church activities, which was announced by President Akufo-Addo on Sunday.

    A statement issued by the church said the decision was taken in the interest of members since the church wants to ensure their safety.

    Read below their full statement

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Provide register of names, contact details of Worshippers Akufo-Addo orders

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed churches and mosques to provide a register of names and contact details of all worshippers while service is to last for one hour.

    According to the President “hand washing facilities and sanitisers must be provided, with a maximum duration of one (1) hour for each service.

    This was announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a televised address to the nation on Sunday, May 31, 2020.

    “Twenty-five percent (25%) attendance, with a maximum number of one hundred (100) congregants, can worship at a time in church or at the mosque, with a mandatory one metre rule of social distancing between congregants.

    “In addition to the mandatory wearing of masks for all persons at all times in churches and mosques, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers and hand washing facilities and sanitisers must be provided, with a maximum duration of one (1) hour for each service.

    “Religious institutions that are desirous of opening their premises to their members, such as churches, mosques and others, must disinfect, fumigate and put in place the requisite logistics needed to guarantee safe opening and operation. They must work with the designated, regulatory bodies and undertake test runs of the protocols I have outlined.

    “I would appeal to them, in the case of Christians, on the first Sunday of re-opening, i.e. 7th June, in the case of the Adventists, Saturday, 6th June, and in the case of Muslims, on the first Friday, i.e. ?al?t al-Jumu?ah on 5th June, to dedicate their worship to prayers for the nation in these challenging times.”

    He stated that, the Minister for Religious Affairs will on Monday, 1st June, outline, in detail, the specific guidelines for the safe reopening of churches and mosques.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Churches, Mosques can open for an hour per service – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has announced that Churches and Mosques have the permission to reopen to their congregants for a maximum of one hour per service with a congregation not being more than 100 people.

    During his 10th address to the nation on Sunday, the president indicated that these services must adhere to a mandatory one-metre rule of social distancing between congregants.

    “An abridged format for religious services can commence. Twenty-five per cent attendance, with a maximum number of one 100 congregants, can worship at a time in church or at the mosque,” the president said. “In addition to the mandatory wearing of masks for all persons at all times in churches and mosques, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers, and handwashing facilities and sanitisers must be provided.”

    President Akufo-Addo added that religious institutions that are desirous of opening their premises to their members, such as churches, mosques and others, must disinfect, fumigate and put in place the requisite logistics needed to guarantee safe opening and operation.

    “They must work with the designated regulatory bodies and undertake test runs of the protocols I have outlined. I would appeal to them, in the case of Christians, on the first Sunday of re-opening, 7th June; in the case of the Adventists, Saturday, 6th June; and in the case of Muslims, on the first Friday, i.e. Salat Al-Jumu’ah, 5th June, to dedicate their worship to prayers for the nation in these challenging times,” he noted.

    The Minister for Religious Affairs, the president said, will on Monday, 1st June, outline, in detail, the specific guidelines for the safe reopening of our churches and mosques.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Closure of churches has prevented our prayers from being answered – Odeefour Koduah

    The founder and the leader of Healing God Maranatha Prayer Ministry, Odeefour Jeremiah Koduah has opined that the closure of churches and mosques in the country has also shut the doors to heaven preventing prayers from being heard by God.

    The man of God speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm said although it may sound risky physically to lift the ban on churches and mosques, it is more dangerous spiritually.

    He claims the decision to ban religious activities created a space between God and his children and “until we lift the ban, the situation we are trying to resolve will remain the same”.

    Odeefour Koduah appealed to President Akufo-Addo to lift the ban, allow Christians and Muslims to pray to God and seek his face in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

    He indicated “we have used our physical energies in solving the outbreak and it was time we turn to God for help”.

    He has also advised Ghanaians not to politicise the outbreak but work collectively, pray and seek the face of God to deliver the country from the virus.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Coronavirus: God will save us if we adhere to preventive measures – Pastor

    Reverend Dominic Owusu, Head Pastor of Calvary Temple Assemblies of God Church at Bantama in the Kumasi Metropolis, has said it is only God who can save Ghana from the deadly coronavirus.

    He however, said it was important for the public to strictly adhere to all measures and protocols that have been announced by the government to prevent the further spreading of the virus, which was now threatening the lives of citizens in the country.

    Delivering a Sunday sermon on a virtual church service in Kumasi, Rev. Owusu pointed out that, God was ready to save the lives of His people.

    “We have unwavering belief in the Almighty God that He has what it takes to save us and the world from this affliction,” he stated

    Rev. Owusu said if citizens obeyed all the preventive protocols outline by the government, the country would come out victorious.

    “As the government continues to take bold steps to curb the spread, and citizens are encouraged to strictly observe these preventive measures to protect us from contracting and further spreading the virus, I wish to urge our religious leaders as well as faith based organizations to continue to pray for our dear nation Ghana and the world,” he said.

    He urged the citizens to regularly wash their hands under running water, ensure social distancing, use alcohol based hand sanitizers as well as wear nose mask when going out.

    Source: GNA