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Election Prophecies- A Friend Or A Foe To Contemporary Christianity?

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ABSTRACT

Prophetism, both primal and Christian, has played a major role in the life of the African. In biblical prophetism, which is more pronounced in Israeli history, prophets exhorted, warned and directed their compatriots with regards to the things of God. Contemporary prophetism, however, has been observed to have centered on predictions of election results, major football matches and death or doom of political figures or celebrities and the prophets secure followings. The phenomenon has led to this article on ‘election prophecies’. The lacuna is to analyse the effects of these election prophetic utterances on Christianity in Ghana; a friend or a foe?Two prophets in Ghana, Isaac Owusu Bempah[1] and Nigel Gaisie[2] have been selected for this article simply because they were at the center of counter prophecies from 2016 to 2024 general elections in Ghana. While Owusu Bempah predicted His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo to win the 2016 elections and retain the seat in 2020, Nigel Gaisie, on his part, thought His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the former president of Ghana, was going to win the elections. The two prophets were engaged in verbal assaults which resulted in the media mercilessly descending heavily on Christianity and the relevance of prophetism in our contemporary society. The issue escalated when other prophets seemed to have joined their camps depending on their political affiliations.

KEY WORDS

  • EC: Electoral Commission of Ghana
  • NPP: New Patriotic Party (The Ruling Party in Ghana)
  • NDC: National Democratic Congress (The main opposition party in Ghana)
  • CIA : Central Intelligence Agency
  • MacDonaldation: Act of treating something (the gospel) like MacDonald’s fast food
  • Thanatophobia: Intense fear of death and its related issues

1.0 INTRODUCTION

It appears election prophecies have become rampant across Africa. Many prophets turn to predict outcomes of election results ahead of general elections especially in Africa and sometimes in the Western world. One wonders if these prophetic utterances are friendly or enemies to contemporary Christianity. According to Scriptures in 1Corinthians 12:8-10, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This is a gift that is used to rebuke, exhort, direct and comfort God’s people. In traditional religions the seers or prophets are consulted during maledictions for spiritual remedies. The Prophets and the prophecies they utter are very important in every society; primal or Christian. Some scholars like Louis Berkhof, John S. Mbiti, John S. Pobee, and Geoffrey Parrinder observe that Israeli prophetism was borrowed from Near Eastern neighbours like the Canaanites who already had an established prophetic and institutional life. Others also argue that Hebrew prophets used crude methods of divination and self-torture like Baal prophets of Elijah’s day (1Kings 18:25-29).

This is not different from Baeta’s[3] opinion on prophetism in the spiritual churches or ‘sunsum asore’ in Ghana.It seems the above postulations from these scholars resonate well with the Bible prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah and Ezekiel who were prominent in the socio-political life of their nations. And in the New Testament era, for instance, prophets like John the Baptist and Agabus gave special warnings and prophecies to their nation.

In Ghana for instance, prophets like Isaac Owusu Bempah, Salifu Amoako, Nigel Gaisie, Kofi Oduro[4] among many others have the flair in election prophecies. Sometimes the prophets seem prophesying for a particular political party.

This paper examines who a prophet is, trends in election prophecies in Ghana and the effects of election prophecies on the contemporary Christian faith.

1.1 WHO IS A PROPHET?

A Ghanaian theologian and the immediate past Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Opoku Onyinah in his book, Apostles and Prophets, defined prophets as messengers of God.[i] The Old Testament teaches that as spokespersons of God, prophets are called and sent by God to speak God’s Word to God’s people (Jer. 1:4-5; Amos 7:14-15; Is. 6:8-13). [ii] Other Old Testament designations for prophet, include “man of God” (Hebrew, ish Elohim), “seer” (because of the prophet’s inclination to receive revelatory visions 1 Sam. 9:6) and “messenger” (Isa. 42:19), but “nabi” is the most frequently used word for a prophet (Jer.1:4-5; Is.6:8-9; Ezek.2:1-4).

According to Charles Prempeh (2020), a columnist of Modern Day Ghana News, writing on prophetism asserted that: ‘The centrality of religion has convinced scholars like Louis Berkhof, John S. Mbiti, John S. Pobee, and Geoffrey Parrinder to conclude that human beings (sometimes focusing strongly on Africans) are incurably religious.’[iii]  In the African Traditional Religious context one major source of inquiry into maledictions is the seer or the soothsayer. They foresee the future and prescribe the needed sacrifices for relief or remedy. In Christianity today, some prophets seem to predict outcomes of general elections publicly and from the pulpit. The question therefore is how the phenomenon is likely to affect the Christian faith, positively or negatively.

1.2 Some Trends of Election Prophecies in Ghana

In December 2020, Rev. Owusu Bempah gave the following prophecies:

  • Possible death of the President of Ghana
  • The election results resulting in coup d’état
  • NPP will win the elections
  • The running mate of John Mahama will die shortly after the elections.
  • The electoral commissioner chairperson is on spiritual attack
  • NDC will stay in opposition for 16 years (2017)

The ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP) won the election but the president did not die, there was no coup d’etat and John Mahama’s running mate did not die shortly after the elections.

Prophet Gaisie, on the other hand, enumerated some election issues in 2016-2020:

  • I saw a woman leading the world. I saw her in America. I saw Harris in her name.
  • I saw the former president of America Donald Trump coming back into active politics.
  • The CND (NDC) should forget about the Ashanti Region and focus more on the Northern Region because the election results would be determined by these two regions. I saw a flag or green, white and black taking dominance.
  • If CND doesn’t wake up, they will use the EC, CIA and media to twist the election results.
  • A female running mate in one of the West African states would receive a lot of attacks spiritually and verbally.
  • Central, Western and Asamankese will fall massively for NDC
  • Let’s be spiritual and vigilant towards the 2020 election
  • The IGP, EC should not suppress the will of the people
  • The NDC must think and plan now not the future
  •  The Lord says he has rejected this government
  •  The nation will bring back Kwame Dramani of the NDC with 52.1%.

One significant thing during the 2020 elections was that Candidate John Dramani Mahama did not win but the former president Donald Trump has come back to active politics as predicted.  

Since 2016, prophets Owusu Bempah and Nigel Gaisie seemed to have generated controversies in their prophecies. They are thus regarded as NPP and NDC prophets respectively. Other prophets sometimes take sides in their utterances. For example, one of such reactions was recorded by Charles Prempeh:

The differences in prediction (prophecies) have caused the irk of some other pastors to run unchecked with insults. One such pastor, also a prophet, is Kofi Oduro. Kofi Oduro took to his church space to lambast and lampoon the political prophets in Ghana. He used very unsavoury words like prostitutes, sex maniacs, corrupt, and hypocrites to characterise the political prophets. In response, Salifu Amoako and Owusu Bempah have equally descended mercilessly on Kofi Oduro.

According to Charles Prempeh,Owusu Bempah has also used unprintable words to ‘expose’ Kofi Oduro. In the end, Ghanaians find themselves in a quagmire of religious verbal assaults. Social media has mediated the extent to which the insults and counter-insults are publicised. It is, therefore, easy for Ghanaians who are frustrated with these prophets to join the fray to cast aspersions against Christianity in general.[iv]

1.3 THE EFFECTS OF ELECTION PROPHECIES ON CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN FAITH

It has been observed from Charles Prempeh’s narration that some Ghanaians find themselves in ‘a quagmire of religious verbal assaults’ where the ‘social media has mediated the extent to which the insults and counter-insults are publicised’. The following effects could be generated from activities of election prophets.

1.3.1     DECLINE IN CHURCH ATTENDANCE THROUGH LACK OF TRUST IN THE LEADERS

A major concern about election prophets is that consistent justification for non-fulfilled specific prophecies may lead to mistrust and the consequent decline in church attendance and activities. People want to follow leaders who are trustworthy and unity-minded. Thus, people will shun the company of whore-mongers and war drummers.  Mistrust is one of the reasons for the decline of churches in the West according to Koduah.[5] Though some of the prophecies come to pass, the controversies seem to generate tension.

1.3.2 PHYSICAL ATTACKS ON THE CHURCH

The church can come under physical attacks through uncompromising youth who could take the law into their own hands by vandalizing churches. When Owusu Bempah predicted the death of the Chief Imam of Ghana, Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, some Muslim youth vandalized his church. This might have escalated into religious riot had the youth of the church also attempted to counter the action. This shows clearly that election death and doom prophecies can lead to chaotic situations in the church and in the country. The Rwandan genocide which is purported to have started from a radio station is a typical example to watch.

1.3.3 HAMPER THE MEDIATION ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN TIMES OF CONFLICT

The church of God is one avenue for conflict resolution as part of its social responsibility. As soon as the Church wavers from its primary task in a mission of doing what Jesus did, that is proclaiming the kingdom of God at hand, it falls into conflict. The Church does this, sometimes inadvertently, by preaching itself, or placing its own structures above that of the kingdom.[v] 

1.3.4 LACK OF GOD CONSCIOUSNESS IN CHURCH

There is a perceived disregard of God’s presence in the house of God from the clergy and the laity due to the uncertainty of genuine prophecy. On his way to Haran, Jacob certainly encountered the presence of God: “Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the LORD is in this place; and I did not know it.’ And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:16-17 RSV). Onyinah thinks that unbroken Christians and false prophets unlike, Jacob do not recognize the awesomeness of God’s presence but try to manufacture their own words and give prophecy from their own minds on issues that are circulating.[vi] 

1.3.5 THE TENDENCY OF SHEEP-STEALING FROM NON-PROPHETS

The tendency of schism, internal competition and membership recycling through sheep-stealing from other already established churches is likely to raise misunderstanding in the Christian fraternity. The itchy ears of the African towards akwankyire (that is, prophetic guidance), issues of human atamfo (that is, enemies) and various forms of exorcism, appeal to the average Christian who might leave the previous church for a prophetic one. The numerical strength of the church, therefore, remains same as the same members keep church-shopping.  The phenomenon may lead to proliferation of lazy Christians who treat churching like MacDonald’s fast food that Koduah terms as ‘macdonaldation’ of the gospel. These Christians fail to read the Bible, meditate on it, pray and receive fresh revelations from God for themselves because the prophets are ready to fast and pray on their behalf and ‘cook’ a word from God for them; in most cases for a fee.

1.3 6 DECEMBER 31ST WATCH NIGHT SERVICES: SOCIETAL PHOBIA AND ANXIETY

There is now generally a panic that grips the society at large and some Christians, who literally run to men of God to request for personal prophetic messages for the ensuing year. Some people basically go to church for their ‘prophecies.’ These ‘Christians’ sometimes become aggressive when ‘their specific prophecies’ do not materialize. For example, Adomonline.com on June 9, 2023 reported that the Lagos State Police Command had arrested a 26-year old man, identified as Akpannu, for attacking a pastor with a machete for allegedly giving him a fake prophecy. It was gathered that the accused stabbed the pastor of one of the New Generation Churches identified as Prophet Anayochukwu, in May 2023. The incident was said to have happened at the church’s headquarters during service.

1.3.7 PRESSURE FROM SOCIETY

The society or the people sometimes force the prophet to prophesy without necessarily hearing from God. In Ghana for instance, 31st December night looks so special that the prophet MUST prophesy. People want some ‘personal prophecies’ from the prophets. This is what Onyinah alludes to when he says ‘once people are pushing you for an action, you may hear the voice of the masses and prophesy, or prophesy through a charged atmosphere.’ That, he opines, will not come from the Lord.[vii]

1.3.8 PROMOTION OF ‘DEMIGODISM’ OF SOME PROPHETS

Sometimes, society makes some prophets feel they are infallible and assume the posture of a ‘demigod’ like the case of Herod the King (Acts 12:21-23). According to George Anderson Jnr. in ‘Commercialization of Religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana: Christian Ethical Analysis of their Strategies,’

“Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become a business. It is characterized by the sale and purchase of assortments of religious items and services between churches and consumers. This practice is said to have experienced its exponential index given the demand for miraculous mediation by desperate religious consumers to address their pickles. Irrespective of the abuses religious consumers are said to go through, coupled with the high cost of the religious items and services, one is curious to ascertain by what means the churches use to hook religious consumers to their offer”[viii].

 Quayesi-Amakye also thinks that ‘prophets involve their clients in several prophetic rituals, some of which are bizzare, and thus raise questions in terms of their scriptural validity and authenticity’.[ix] Both Anderson and Quayesi-Amakye seem to bemoan the extent to which unsuspecting religious clients are being manipulated and it appears prophets hold the above opinions in common and as a result protect their ‘territories like wounded lions’. They do so by playing supremacy one over the other. This situation raises the ‘situation akin to the traditional abandonment of the incompetent deity for a more potent one’[x]. Election prophecies are not exception.

1.3.9 USE OF VULGAR OR FOUL LANGUAGE DURING PROPHETIC UTTERANCES WHEN THE PROPHET IS PROVOKED

Use of foul language seems synonymous to NPCs prophets. These unsavory words are used sometimes during prophecies or when the prophet is being challenged either by a colleague prophet or a supposed enemy of their ministry. One could hear a prophet mention the type and color of underwear of a lady to whom a prophecy is directed just to prove the ‘powerfulness’ of the prophet. Some try to prove that they are called of God by imposing themselves on others.

Onyinah thinks that “once you see someone claiming to be an apostle or a prophet, imposing himself on others, you must know that he is a deceiver. A person does not need to say ‘I am a prophet’ or ‘I am an apostle’ to be recognized.”[xi]

When Owusu Bempah predicted a win for NPP during the 2020 general elections, Nigel Gaisie, on the other hand, thought NDC would win the elections. The differences in the predictions caused some other prophets to react with foul languages. For example, Prophet Kofi Oduro took to his church space to ‘lambast and lampoon’ the political prophets in Ghana. He used ‘very unsavory words like prostitutes, sex maniacs, corrupt, and hypocrites to characterize the political prophets.’ One would have thought that men of God would uphold morality or ethics in public speaking but in response, Salifu Amoako and Owusu Bempah ‘have equally descended mercilessly on Kofi Oduro. Owusu Bempah has also used unprintable words to ‘expose’ Kofi Oduro. In the end, Ghanaians find themselves in a quagmire of religious verbal assaults.[xii] Social media has mediated the extent to which the insults and counter-insults are publicized. It is, therefore, easy for Ghanaians who are ‘frustrated with these prophets to join the fray to cast aspersions against Christianity in general,’[xiii] Public verbal abuses dot prophetic pronouncements of many political prophets to the point of proving who first took or received the title ‘angel’ from God.

This is where people begin to doubt the authenticity of the election prophets because Onyinah opines that ‘the prophet must not call attention to himself. Christ must increase, while he decreases… The more people try to make him great, the more he must humble himself and give glory to God.’[xiv] Contrary to Onyinah’s admonition, Quayesi-Amakye observes that among the NPCs, the ‘prophet plays quite a significant role, and occupies an important place in the lives of the faithful, who almost always place his or her words on a par with Scriptures itself’.[xv]

1.3.10 DEPRESSION RESULTING FROM FAILED PROPHECIES

In 1975, the Jehovah Witnesses leadership was emphatic on the world coming to an end and the possible battle of Armageddon. When the predictions failed, many chaotic situations occurred. When election prophecies fail some people find it difficult to manage the failure and thus result to bitterness and condemn anything the government in power does.

1.3.11 THE CHURCH IS SUBJECTED TO UNHEALTHY CRITICISM ESPECIALLY FROM NON-CHRISTIANS.

The message of the cross is described as “foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Cor. 1:18). Therefore, any misguided, unfulfilled specific prophecies with time frames go to aggravate the already existing hardened hearts towards the gospel. Aune noted that some Old Testament ‘prophecies were predictive but gave no indications of time frame for fulfilment and indeed did not come to pass in the prophet’s lifetime’[xvi]. Aune may not be fully right in the event of 2 Kings 7:1 where Elisha gave a 24-hour specific solution to Samaria’s famine: “Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD. Thus says the LORD: ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria'” (2 Kgs. 7:1 NKJV). However, the issue here is that when political prophets’ ultimatums fail, people may take the church for granted by treating their predictions to be false. Salvation message is then negatively affected through unhealthy criticisms from the unbelieving public.

1.3.12 UNNECESSARY AND AVOIDABLE DIVISION IN THE CHURCH

There may be divisions in the Church because most people have a political party that they are affiliated to. Any public pronouncement from a religious leader which is tilted towards a political party – good or bad – is bound to attract rebuttals. Paul addressing the church in Corinth says:

” And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Cor. 3:1-3 NKJV)

1.3.13 RISE OF ‘THANATOPHOBIA’ IN THE SOCIETY

 “Thanatophobia” refers to the condition of an intense fear of death and its related messages. For Apostle Paul, dearth should not be feared, for a person’s faith makes even death a gain (Phil 1:21 NKJV). Unfortunately, sometimes the way some prophetic utterances are given put so much fear of death into unsuspecting people. Consequently, they remain at the beck and call of the prophets who sometimes, unfortunately, take advantage of them. Onyinah’s ‘Wiase amane dosoo’[xvii]  (literally, the worries of life are many) is one of the thanato-escathological songs that every believer should imbibe.  Paul told the church in Thessalonica that ‘But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him (1 Thess. 4:13-14 KJV). According to Koduah, death and the aftermath have remained the most feared topics even among some Christians. Among the major tribes in Africa, death has been given derogatory names just to scare him for approaching them. One may encounter accolades such as the terror, destroyer of families, wicked, unmerciful, thief, etc. all addressed to the activities of death. In a foreword to Koduah’s book, ‘Preparing for the Ultimate Journey – The Need to Develop a New Attitude Towards Death,’ Apostle Dr Michael Ntumy (Former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost) paints the following picture:

The Bible portrays death as an enemy as it strategizes against us at multiple frontlines. Through diseases and illnesses, natural disasters, plagues, epidemics, accidents, wars and conflicts; through man’s atrocities against fellow man; through our recklessness and sometimes our over-cautiousness; in times of sorrow or over-joy, through physical and metaphysical forces or eventually through old-age and an endless list of agents, this Sabbath-less archenemy of humankind engages us without relent. It draws the battle-lines against us from ovulation through gestation. If we survive because our mothers did not abort us from their wombs, it works against us through agents of infant mortality, youthful stupidity, various mid-life crises, as well as lifestyle and occupational diseases in adulthood. Then, just when we assume we have safely navigated through its web, it strikes in old age and then… finally we succumb.[xviii]

Both Koduah and Ntumy paint a vivid picture of life and death which is inevitable either at a younger age or old age. Death by definition is an extinction of life or end of human physical life.  It could also be separation from this physical and material world into the world yonder. This means that once one is born, one should be ready to die at any time.

 It was reported on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 on Adom FM, (a popular radio station in Ghana), that a community in Tema, (a harbour city in Ghana), known as Tema New Town experienced some strange similar deaths as 9 people died in five days. A traditional priest announced that the deaths had spiritual connotations so anyone who wanted to escape that death must go and bathe in the sea and then see him for a ritual bath. Regrettably, it was announced that some Christians, for fear of death, responded swiftly by rushing to the sea to take a bath. It is pathetic how people fear death so much to the neglect of their faith God (Isaiah 41:10).

The recent pandemic that hit the entire globe was COVID-19 or corona virus. This virus claimed thousands of human lives. Researchers and the paramedics worked around the clock to get some relief for the world. Many nations went under partial or total lockdowns. Security agents were released everywhere to enforce these lockdowns. What was the motive? To stop the spread of the dangerous virus! One could observe panic, anxiety, fear, hopelessness and despair in the speeches of both the great and small. This era depicted clearly human reaction toward thanato-eschatology; that is the imminency of death, its vagaries and afterlife. Some courageous Christian leaders managed the situation through words of exhortation to their members. Some of these infidels, however, for fear of death, helplessly started drinking water which is mixed with human hair found on the pages of the Bible. According to some reports, that was a divine direction from someone as a cure for COVID-19 after national fasting and prayers were held in Ghana. These Christians are not to blame because they believed that anytime they prayed God should answer through any means.  It only reveals how frail humans become in the face of looming dangers with the possible end being death. Some people attribute this fear of death or thanatophobia to activities of some contemporary preachers. These theologians, Onyinah, Koduah and Ntumy, therefore, suggest that as one prepares for the ultimate journey, as long as one lives in the body, one should consider the following:

  • Take good care of your physical body by not engaging in activities that may render you incapacitated. It is more painful to live in pains than death.
  • Make your spiritual life strongly attached to Christ, our final judge.
  • Love your neighbour and endeavour not to make life difficult for anyone.
  • Eschew evil of all forms; not to panic when you hear rumours of death.
  • Read and meditate on the word of God, it is a great source of inspiration to all life issues.

4.0 CONCLUSION

We have been looking at the effects of election prophecies and their impact on Christianity globally but particularly in Ghana. Are these election prophecies helping the church of rather sowing discords? Some religious, socio-economic and health-related issues have been discussed. Views of some notable scholars were drawn for reflection on the subject matter. While some argue that city life have made people too individualistic and thus get them attracted to prophets that seem to care for them, others opine that society has lost focus entirely on moral principles of life. Alan Walker has noted that the Wise Men lost sight of the star when they reached the big city. Modern city man often loses sight of the star of his own worth and meaning. Obviously, politicians are human and religious and would be interested in knowing what the future holds for them hence the perceived prominence of election prophets in our society.

The prophetic ministry was observed to be meeting the scriptural description (as stated in 1 Corinthians 14:3) of the functional significance of prophecy which is to edify, encourage and console or comfort a congregation in contextual situations. The study also revealed that the prophetic ministry impacts positively on the church as well. Thus, the church gains foresight as a result of prophetic direction and guidance and that translates to spiritual and numerical growths of its members who also become loyalty to God and world.

Despite the many positive impacts the prophetic ministry has on Christians and churches, it has been observed that election prophecies could have negative impacts too. Some of these include it being a source of confusion and division in the church at large due to the fact that a church is made of members from different political affiliations.

Written by Pastor Paul Komi Adzigbli (District Minister, Libya Quarters)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  1.  Abbey-Quaye, Emmanuel. Prophecies and Ghana’s socio-politico-religious context: A theological perspective. https://www.ghanaweb.com  Accessed 12th  July 2023
  2. Aboagye-Mensah, Robert  K. A Reflection On Pentecostalism And Montanism From The Perspective Of The Indigenous Religion Of Cybele Or The Great Mother Of The Gods PSTM Vol. 4, January 2023,
  3. Adzigbli, Paul Komi. The Theology and Spirituality in the Songs of Akpalu among the Anlo Ewes: Unpublished MA Thesis presented to Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, December 2012.
  4.  Akorsah Sarpong, Kofi, “Prophets and Ghanaian Elections”, Modern Ghana: 9/10/2004 Accessed: 27th August 2024
  5. Ali, Benjamin. Prophetism in Ghana (University of Edinburg: 1994)
  6. Anderson, Bernhard W. Understanding the Old Testament (Englewood Cliffs: Pretence-Hall Inc., 1975)
  7. Anderson, George Jnr. Commercialization of Religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana: Christian Ethical Analysis of their Strategies (Cape Coast: 2016)
  8. Asamoah-Gyadu, J. Kwabena, et al. Contemporary Pentecostal Christianity: Interpretations from an African Context. 1517 Media, 2013. JSTOR  https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1ddcp337
  9. Koduah, Alfred.  Managing the Decline of Christianity in the Western World: Lessons for Churches in the Developing World. (India: Quarterfold Printabilities, 2018)
  10. ————- Fifteen Ecclesiastical Dangers Confronting Contemporary Christianity (Accra: Pentecost Press Limited, 2021)
  11. ————- Preparing for the Ultimate Journey – The Need to Develop a New Attitude Towards Death (Cobby Kay Enterprise, 2013)

Onyinah, Opoku. Apostles & Prophets- The Ministry of Apostles and Prophets throughout the Generations. (Eugene: WIPF & STOCK, 2022)

[1] Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah is the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International. The church is located near Crystal TV at Odorkor, a suburb in Accra.

[2] Rev. Nigel Gaisie is the founder and leader of, the Prophetic Hill Chapel located at Dome in Accra.

[3] Baeta, C.G, Prophetism in Ghana. (Achimota: African Christian Press, 2004), 6

[4] They are among the main prophets who are involved in election prophecies in Ghana.

[5] Koduah, Alfred. Managing the Decline of Christianity in the Western World: Lessons for

Churches in the Developing World.( India: Quarterfold Printabilities, 2018) 18

Rev. Dr. Alfred Koduah, a theologian and a former General Secretary of the Church of Pentecost did an extensive research on decline of churches in the West and lessons for churches in Africa. He enumerated factors that led to the decline of churches and provided some responses.

[i] Opoku Onyinah, Apostles & Prophets- The Ministry of Apostles and Prophets throughout the Generations. (Eugene: WIPF & STOCK, 2022), 14

[ii] Easton Bible Dictionary accessed on Tuesday February 28, 2023

[iii] John S, Pobee. Kwame Nkrumah and the churches in Ghana 1949-1966 (Accra: Asempa Publishers, 1988) 52 

[iv] Charles Prempeh, 2020 African University College of Communications, Accra

[v] Thomas Frank Cunningham, Conflict Resolution Strategies and The Church: The Church’s Role As An Agent Of Social Change In The Political Conflict In South Africa (University of South Africa, 1996), 48

[vi] Opoku Onyinah, Apostles & Prophets, 275

[vii] Opoku Onyinah, Apostles & Prophets, 292

[viii] George Anderson Jnr., Commercialization of Religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana: Christian Ethical Analysis of their Strategies (Cape Coast: 2016),1

[ix] Joseph Quayesi-Amakye, Prophetism in Ghana’s New Prophetic Churches; Journal of the European Pentecostal Theological Association, Vol. 35 No. 2, October, 2015, 162-173 Uploaded on 16th December 2016 and accessed on August 01, 2023.

[x] John S. Mbiti, Introduction to African Religion (Oxford: Heinemann, 1975), 63

[xi] Onyinah, Apostles & Prophets, 303

[xii] Charles Prempeh, African University College of Communications, Accra (2020)

[xiii] ibid

[xiv] Onyinah, Apostles & Prophets, 307-8

[xv] Joseph Quayesi-Amakye, Prophetism in Ghana’s New Prophetic Churches, 164

[xvi] Benjamin Ali, Prophetism in Ghana , 65

[xvii]Pentecostal Songs Book, Pentecost Press Limited: 2016, 373

Wiase amane no dↄↄso                                  There are many troubles in this world

ↄhaw, aperepere ne nyarewa                          The struggles, diseases and wars

Owuo twa so ma wↄn a                                  But death ends it all for all those

wↄahu Yesu Kristo no                                    Who believed in Christ

Kristo bεma yε’ahome                                  The Christ will give us rest

Na Ↄbεdwodwo yεn kra daa nyinaa             Forever He will refresh our souls

Akↄneaba bebree yi mu                                 For all our wanderings on Earth

Ahodwan ne ahokyere yi mu                         For all the sufferings and pains

Awieε, nea εhia ne sε:                                   The end what is needful is this:

wobehu Kristo anim                                      To see the face of Christ

Apinisie ne dadwene nyinaa mu                   For all our groanings and cares

Mpaebↄ, mmuadadi nyinaa m’                     The prayer and fastings we bear

Abrabↄ pa na yεde bepue                              In righteousness only may we

Kristo no anim                                              Before Christ appear

Yεn “nhwεso-adwuma” yi mu                     In the labour of our stewardship

Nea εhia yεn ara ne sε:                                The most needful thing is this:

Akontaa pa na yεbebu                                 To render a good account

wↄ Kristo no anim                                        In the presence of Christ

Opoku Onyinah

Rev Professor Opoku Onyinah’s ‘Wiase amane no dↄↄso’ is a typical thanatho-eschatological song that depicts tussles of life and afterlife. From the cradle to the grave humankind is faced with near misses such as accidents – domestic or motor, – spiritual and physical attacks. He opines that the ultimate thing for the Christian is to think of the final judgment and eternal rest with Christ. Onyinah is the immediate past Chairman of the Church of Pentecost.

[xviii] Alfred  Koduah,  Preparing for the Ultimate Journey – The Need to Develop a New Attitude Towards Death (Cobby Kay Enterprise, 2013)

WhatsApp Image 2024-09-10 at 10.48.36_fddb765d

Church Media Masterclass/Summit 2024 Set To Revolutionise Media Production

by with No Comment Top Stories

Encoremedia has teamed up with Pent Media Centre and Pentecost International  Worship  Centre, Atomic (PIWC-Atomic) to organise the “Church Media Masterclass/Summit 2024” on September 21, 2024, aimed at transforming church media production.

The summit, which is the brainchild of Mr Azasoo Andrew, Creative Director of Encoremedia and a member of PIWC-Atomic, will equip church media teams with practical skills through interactive workshops, expert panels, and networking opportunities, empowering churches to effectively use digital media in their ministries.

The event promises to elevate the standards of church media production through a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

The summit, running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, will feature hands-on training on critical aspects of media production, including livestreaming, camera handling, video editing, social media, and church sound management.

With the theme “Equipping Church Media Teams with the Skills and Tools Needed to Effectively Leverage Digital Media in Ministry,” the summit is expected to attract media professionals, church media teams, and enthusiasts from across the country.

Attendees will benefit from the expertise of key resource persons such as Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse, Director of Pent Media Centre, who will deliver the keynote address, alongside other top professionals in media production and digital content creation.

The summit will also provide extended learning opportunities, offering participants access to online sessions for two months after the event to ensure continuous growth and development in their media capabilities.

The registration fee of GH¢100 covers full participation, including meals and refreshments. Interested participants are encouraged to register before September 15, 2024 to secure their spot.

This summit represents a significant step in church media evolution and is set to have a lasting impact on how churches engage with their congregations through media in the digital age.

For more information or to register, contact 0242272384 / 0205791939 or email info@encoremediagh.com.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Pent Radio Acting Manager Donates To Larwehkrom Assembly web

Pent Radio Acting Manager Donates To Larwehkrom Assembly

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Acting General Manager of Pent Radio-Kumasi, Elder Nana Mainoo, along with the Larweh family, have donated 30 plastic chairs valued at GH¢3,700.00 to the Larwehkrom Assembly in the Sefwi-Bekwai Low Cost District of The Church of Pentecost.

Elder Nana Mainoo, the eldest son of the late Elder S. T. Nana Larweh, presented the chairs to the assembly on behalf of the family on September 8, 2024. He explained that the donation was made in appreciation of God’s grace and mercies on the family.

‘It has always been my intention to do something lasting for the Lord and The Church of Pentecost, giving all that we have and still receive from God,’ he stated.

Receiving the chairs on behalf of the Sefwi Bekwai Low Cost District Minister, Pastor Philip Kwame Acquah, the District Finance Committee Chairman, Elder Gideon Owusu, and the Presiding Elder of Larwehkrom Assembly, Elder Michael Kesse, expressed their gratitude to Elder Nana Mainoo and his family for their kind gesture.

They prayed for the Lord’s continuous blessings upon the Larweh family and encouraged the members of the church to emulate this beautiful gesture.

PENTECOST NEWS

Maiden Sign Language Interpreters Conference Held web

Maiden Sign Language Interpreters Conference Held

by with No Comment Church NewsMPWDsTop Stories

The first edition of the Sign Language Interpreters Conference, organised by the Ministry to Persons With Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost, has been held at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa-Fetteh.

The groundbreaking event, which was aimed to equip sign language interpreters, both psychologically and spiritually, took place from September 13-14, 2024. It was attended by 120 sign language interpreters.

In his opening address, Pastor Alexander Nyame (MPWDs National Coordinator), highlighted the challenges faced by the over two million Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana, according to recent statistics. He stressed the importance of Vision 2028, the church’s strategic agenda to possess the nations, which emphasises the inclusion of people with disabilities.

‘For people with hearing impairments, the only way to receive information is through sight,’ he stated, stressing the numerous barriers they encounter in a world that often makes it difficult for them to fully comprehend their surroundings.

According to him, the interpreters will return to their communities better equipped to communicate with and support individuals with hearing impairments.

The Vice-Chancellor of Pentecost University, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong Kodua, on his part, called on Christians involved in specialised ministries to serve with both spiritual depth and great character.

He stressed that the gap between the current world and the world to come is vast, and Christians must bridge this gap through their service.

He highlighted the dual message of the cross of Calvary: The power to heal and the grace to care through various interventions.

‘There is enormous healing flowing from the cross,’ he said, while encouraging believers to rely on the power of Christ while embracing the grace to support those with disabilities.

Apostle Kodua encouraged the participants not to let their current situations or perceived limitations define them, but rather see these as opportunities for mutual partnerships and better outcomes.

He concluded by reminding those in ministry that they may be the only Bible that some people can ‘read’ or the only representation of Christ that others can ‘see.’

Pastor Richard Atobrah, the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Campus Pastor at the University of Education, Winneba, also called on interpreters, especially those serving in the church to embrace their role as a divine calling, stressing the vital connection between their spirituality and the effectiveness of their interpretation.

Speaking on the topic, ‘The Spiritual Life of the Interpreter,’ Pastor Atobrah described the interpreter as both the ‘voice of God’ and ‘the ear of the people.’

‘All preachers or teachers of the Bible are interpreters,’ he explained, highlighting that the interest of listeners is sustained by the interpreter’s spirituality and demeanour.

Pastor Atobrah reminded them that sign language is a form of God’s communication, pointing to how God uses signs, such as the weather and celestial bodies, to mark times and seasons.

‘The first person to sign to human beings was God,’ he noted, underlining the sacred nature of the interpreter’s work.

The Campus Pastor also reminded interpreters to take their role seriously, saying, ‘See what you are coming to do as the work of God and put on your best.’

He added: ‘See yourselves as someone God has chosen to use at this time. You are a vessel God can use.’

Other notable speakers for the conference included Pastor Reuben Awuni (National Coordinator, Deaf Ministry) who presented on ‘Understanding the Deaf Community,’ Mr Clement Sam (National Association of Sign Language Interpreters – Ghana) who covered ‘Ethics and Rules of Conduct in Interpreting’ and Mr Emmanuel Lartey (Sign Language Interpreter, CoP HQ) who discussed ‘Interpreting Techniques.’

Also present at the event were Mrs Evelyn Nyame, wife of the MPWDs Coordinator; Pastor Joshua Semador (MPWDs Northern Sector Coordinator), and Pastor Isaac Aboagye (Godokpe District).

PENTECOST NEWS

Old Tafo Area Children’s Ministry Holds Funfair Games web

Old Tafo Area Children’s Ministry Holds Funfair Games

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

The Children’s Ministry of the Old Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with Peace Specialty Hospital, has successfully held its annual fun fair games.

The fun games took place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Our Lady School of Grace in the Kwabre East Municipality.

This second edition of the event attracted over 2,800 children, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and excitement.

Under the supervision of their teachers, the children participated in a variety of games, including soccer, volleyball, bouncing castle, swimming, horse ride, and athletics. The ministry leaders also engaged with street children as part of their evangelistic efforts, leading many to embrace the teachings of Christ through the fun activities.

Pastor Bennet Ayisi, the Kumasi Sector Children’s Ministry Pastor, who was present at the event, praised the Area Leader for initiative aimed at fostering fellowship among the children. He encouraged other areas to replicate the effort to support the growth of young individuals.

Pastor Kenneth Akomea Koah, the Area Children’s Ministry Leader, stressed the importance of such activities, highlighting that the Church’s mission extends beyond spiritual guidance to encompass holistic development, positively impacting every soul.

About 500 children registered and renewed their National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards, which was facilitated by Peace Specialty Hospital.

Report by Dennis Owusu

Evangelism Outreach at Yilo Krobo SHS Yields 108 Souls web

Evangelism Outreach at Yilo Krobo SHS Yields 108 Souls

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesWomen's Ministry

The Women’s Ministry Directorate of The Church of Pentecost, led by its Director, Deaconess Mrs. Philomina Mireku, embarked on an evangelism outreach at the Yilo Krobo Senior High School, resulting in 108 students surrendering their lives to Christ.

The outreach, which was part of the Director’s working visit to the Agormanya Area from Wednesday, 11th to Friday, 13th September 2024, took place on Friday, 13th September 2024. Deaconess Mireku was accompanied by her deputy, Deaconess Mrs. Vivian Amfo, and Deaconess Prof. Gladys Quartey, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC). It was held in collaboration with the Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM) of the Agormanya Area.

The Women’s Ministry delegation that visited the school was led by Apostle Dr. Samuel Gakpetor (Agormanya Area Head), his wife, Mrs. Grace Gakpetor, and the Area Women’s Ministry leadership.

Addressing over 1,200 students and 48 parents on Wednesday, 11th September 2024, Deaconess Philomina Mireku admonished the students to put God first in all they do and to take their studies seriously. She called on the students to accept Jesus Christ and worship Him alone, as He is the only Savior of the world accredited by God to redeem mankind from the power of darkness.

The Deputy Women’s Director, Deaconess Vivian Amfo, took her turn to speak on the topic “Critical Choices.” She counseled the students to set achievable goals and to be determined to achieve them through hard work, diligence, and total reliance on God.

She also advised the students to avoid placing their trust in humans, as human beings are limited in capacity and will, and are prone to disappointment.

Among the crucial factors emphasised by the Deputy Women’s Director in making rightful choices were setting goals, maintaining focus, determination, hard work, and relying on God’s enabling grace. Deaconess Prof. Gladys Quartey then led an intensive prayer session.

At the end of the programme, over 108 students surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, with 200 other students rededicating their lives to God.

The delegation presented over 1,000 pens to the students and made a cash donation of GHC 1,500.00 to the school.

The Women’s Ministry Director took the opportunity to wish the students success in their upcoming WASSCE exams and also prayed for them.

Report by Agormanya Area Media Team

Sawla Area Holds 3-Day Pastorate & Wives’ Retreat web

Sawla Area Holds 3-Day Pastorate & Wives’ Retreat

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Sawla Area of The Church of Pentecost has organized a three-day fasting and prayer retreat for the pastorate and their wives.

The retreat, which was held under the theme “Unleashed with the Holy Ghost to Transform Our World,” took place from Wednesday, August 11, to Friday, August 13, 2024, at the Sawla English Assembly Auditorium.

The Sawla Area Head, Pastor Frederick Obboh, who initiated the event, led the ministers and their wives through sessions on effective ministry and the need to partner with the Holy Spirit for excellence in ministry.

In a presentation entitled “Sowing Righteousness and Reaping the Benefits,” Pastor Obboh underscored the need for ministers to live righteous lives because it reflects the nature of God. Therefore, ministers must exhibit and practice this communicable attribute of God.

The Area Head further noted that in righteousness, Christians are established and grounded to impact their spheres as the salt and light of the world.

Referencing Hosea 10:12 and Galatians 6:7, Pastor Obboh stressed that a minister’s anointing is dependent on righteousness, which acts as a catalyst for receiving more oil than others.

According to him, righteousness means standing right with God and remaining right with Him at all times. The minister, as a messenger of God, must live and be clothed with righteousness, for it is the nature of the God the minister represents. Anything short of this is unacceptable.

Pastor Obboh admonished the ministers to watch their ways, love their wives, and be mindful of how they use mobile phones. He emphasized that a minister must be holy and righteous at all times, regardless of who is present or who can see them.

The ministers were also taken through pastoralia to help equip them to effectively carry out their unleashing and transformational mandate. New ministers who recently joined the Area were oriented on the work and their role as missionaries of God in the Area. The ministers and their wives expressed gratitude to the Area Head and his wife for the impact they made on their lives during the retreat.

Report by Pastor Jones Dwomoh Amankwah

Man Loses Everything In Fire, Only Bible Left Unburnt web

Man Loses Everything In Fire, Only Bible Left Unburnt

by with No Comment Church NewsTestimoniesTop Stories

David-Denise Kwasi Antwi, a member of The Church of Pentecost in the Sampa District of the Berekum Area, lost all his property in a fire that gutted his apartment in Sampa, the capital of Jaman North District in the Bono Region.

Miraculously, the only items that survived the blaze were his two Bibles – one for himself and one for his son.

According to Antwi, the incident occurred on September 2, 2024, at around 4:00 pm while he was away. He lost all his possessions, including GHS 12,050.00, furniture, clothes, a television set, and more.

The whole Sampa community is particularly astonished by how the two Bibles, placed in different locations in the room, remained unscathed. Antwi explained that his personal Bible was on a bag placed on a table. Both the table and the bag were burnt beyond recognition, yet the Bible remained intact. Similarly, his son’s Bible was untouched, despite everything around it being completely destroyed.

In an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, Antwi, though heartbroken, said the incident has strengthened his faith in the Bible, affirming it as truly the word of God. He noted that while one can lose all material possessions accumulated over many years, the word of God, as represented by the Bible, is indestructible.

Pastor Samuel Akuamoah Boateng, the Sampa District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, confirmed the incident to PENTECOST NEWS. He mentioned that a Muslim neighbour was so amazed by the survival of the Bibles that she now believes in the power of the Bible as the word of God.

Pastor Boateng has appealed to the church community to support Brother  Antwi, who is in dire need of assistance to rebuild his life.

Firefighters are still investigating the cause of the fire.

PENTECOST NEWS

WOMEN’S MINISTRY DIRECTORATE DONATES TO NANA AFRAKOMA ON HER 60TH ANNIVERSARY web

Women’s Ministry Directorate Donates To Nana Afrakoma On Her 60th Anniversary

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesWomen's Ministry

The Women’s Ministry Directorate of The Church of Pentecost, led by Mrs Philomina Mireku, visited the Akwamuman Royal Palace on September 13, 2024, to congratulate Nana Afrakoma II, the Queen of Akwamuman, on the 60th anniversary of her reign.

Nana Afrakoma became queen at the age of 18 and is recognised as the leader of all Queen Mothers in Ghana due to her extensive experience and peaceful leadership.

During their visit to the Agormanya Area of the church, the Directorate took the opportunity to visit the queen at her palace. The delegation included Apostle Dr Samuel and Mrs Gakpetor (Agormanya Area Head), the Area Women’s Ministry Executive Committee members, the Area pastorate, and members of the ministry in the Akwamu Zone.

Nana Afrakoma, who was extremely happy to see the leadership of the Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, warmly welcomed them to her palace.  

Mrs Mireku explained that the visit was in commemoration of the queen’s 60th anniversary. She praised Nana Afrakoma’s distinguished reign, noting that her 60 years as queen is a credit to womanhood. She added that the Directorate of the Women’s Ministry decided to congratulate her as part of its mission to make a positive societal impact, a vision championed by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

To mark the occasion, Mrs Mireku presented a hamper to Nana Afrakoma on behalf of the Women’s Ministry. The hamper included Vlisco Holland Cloths, rice, assorted drinks, other provisions, and Women’s Ministry cloth and scarf. The queen was draped in the Women’s Ministry cloth, symbolising love, acceptance, trust, and deep appreciation.

Nana Afrakoma expressed her gratitude for the visit and the donation. She thanked the Women’s Ministry Directorate for their thoughtful gesture and blessed the leadership of The Church of Pentecost for empowering its women to make a positive societal impact.

She advised the Women’s Ministry to take their church roles seriously and strive for excellence to receive the Lord’s blessings and recognition.

Reflecting on her own life, she shared that she became queen at 18 and, through dedication, hard work, and a peaceful nature, has become the longest-serving queen. She encouraged the Women’s Ministry Directorate to work hard and achieve great success during their tenure.

Report by Professor Mrs Gladys Quartey

Demonstrate God’s Power – Apostle Oboubi To Christians web

Demonstrate God’s Power – Apostle Oboubi To Christians

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With GsTop Stories

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Oboubi, has stated that Christians have been called to demonstrate God’s power.

He made the call on Sunday, September 15, 2024, when speaking at the Danquah Worship Centre in La Area to climax their District Week.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Unleashed With Power’ with scriptural reference to Luke 24:4; 4:20, Apostle Oboubi revealed that Christians have been called into the kingdom of God which is a kingdom of power, hence they carry power.

He emphasised that not only must Christians carry power, they must demonstrate it.

He indicated that the church’s Vision 2028, which is to possess the nations and transform it with the values and principles of God’s Kingdom, is similar to the Great Commission which Jesus gave to His disciples.

The General Secretary mentioned that two things are key in possessing nations – godliness and power.

He explained that godliness is important because Christians go out as ambassadors of God and are expected to demonstrate Christlike character.

Touching on power (from the Holy Spirit), he indicated that Jesus knowing the importance of this asked His disciples to wait until they receive the power of the Holy Spirit before they go out to undertake the Great Commission.

The chief scribe highlighted that the power to transform the world is not a reserve of any group of people but is present in anyone who has received the Holy Spirit, saying, ‘So long as the Holy Spirit abides in you, you carry the power of God.’

He revealed two effects of power as power to be and become what God wants one to become and power to perform supernatural acts.

He called on all to yearn for power because ‘the possessing the nations agenda will be successful when the children of God are unleashed with power.’

PENTECOST NEWS