In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in Ghana, churches were ordered closed by President Akufo-Addo and although they complied with the directive, the Apostle General of the Royal House Chapel International says it has been difficult.

Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah who now has to preach to a virtual congregation as church activities are being carried out online is still adjusting to the absence of a physical audience but said the directive is necessary to bring the pandemic under control.

“For the good of all of us, we have to comply with these presidential directives to curb the spread of the virus. In place of the usual gathering of thousands of people every Sunday, we have employed the use of electronic means of preaching the gospel through social media, radio and television.

“It is very difficult to speak to an imaginary congregation. I have to imagine the congregation in my head and release the word of God trusting that families and individuals have gathered and are being blessed wherever they are,” he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday.

Ghana’s Covid-19 cases stand at 195, with five deaths and 38 recoveries.

Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Kasoa - the worse hit areas - have entered the fourth day of a partial lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

But as all Ghanaians withdraw to their homes as churches, schools, and offices close, Rev Korankye Ankrah is hopeful that soon and with the help of God, life in Ghana and the world will go back to normal.

“Because when people gather to pray, the power of God, hope, healing and faith is released. Even though we are doing our possible best to use the means available, we are not too sure how many people are able to log on to listen to the gospel through social media. If the person does not have internet or not on social media, then it becomes very difficult.

“So it is a very trying moment for all of us, we are trying to adjust and our prayer is that God will come through for us faster and quicker so that this situation will be another history,” he prayed.

Rev Korankye Ankrah also called on affluent Ghanaians to support the poor, needy and vulnerable in times like this.

The Royal House Chapel has and continues to support its members and other helpless people in society.

Single parents with two or more children and the elderly are all being supported by the church with food items for the period of the lockdown.

Rev Korankye Ankrah said it is the responsibility of the church to cater to those in need and urged religious bodies who have not provided any support to the vulnerable to do so.

"It is our responsibility, particularly the church to step in and help to alleviate the difficulties that people go through. Faith which is not backed by good action is dead faith so if we say we have faith in God and we are preaching about faith, we need to demonstrate our faith by actionable actions. So I’ll advise all churches, organizations and communities, as much as you can help, please do.

“These are difficult moments for all of us but God will see us through,” he added.