The leadership of the International Central Gospel Church and a group made up of eminent Men of God christened Christian Ministers and Leaders in Ghana are demanding the immediate withdrawal of all political adverts containing Pastor Mensa Otabil’s voice. They are also requesting an immediate end to insults hurled at the Pastor for his response to the controversial tape-saga and an apology from the perpetrators. The General Overseer of the Church, last week addressed a news conference over what he deemed a spin on his sermons to meet political interest by persons affiliated to the ruling National Democratic Party (NDC). Addressing a congregation during a church service, Sunday, one of the pastors of ICGC Kofi Okyere - on behalf of pastors in the Church and the Christian Council - described as unacceptable what they consider to be attempts to force their pastor and the church into partisan politics. “As ICGC, we also demand the retraction and apology from all those who have incessantly insulted our pastor…” Read below the statement issued Christian Ministers and Leaders in Ghana We have noted, with deep concern, recent developments on the media landscape, particularly relating to the use of Pastor Mensa Otabils voice for political advertising. As Christian leaders and Ministers in the land, we wish to submit the following: 1. Throughout the history of this country, the Church and State have successfully coexisted in a relationship based on mutual cooperation and respect. 2. The Church has undoubtedly been the most significant partner of the State in the delivery of education, health and other social amenities and interventions. 3. Successive governments, since independence, have shown respect to the institution of the Church and its leaders. The Church, on its part, has never ceased to pray for Gods blessings on the nation and its leaders. 4. As pastors and spiritual leaders, we oversee members at the very highest levels of leadership from all sides of the political divide. 5. While individuals in churches may have their political leanings, it is imperative that we all strive to preserve the neutrality of the Church from partisan politics. This is to enable the revered institution to continue serving as a neutral arbiter in times of crisis. 6. It is for this and other reasons that we find it appropriate for all to heed Pastor Mensa Otabil's request for exemption from partisan political advertisement. 7. Since the press conference by Pastor Otabil last Monday, the ensuing discourse on various media platforms has largely been in intemperate and uncomplimentary language. 8. Moreover, media advertisements with Pastor Otabils voice have continued playing on various networks, suggesting that he is involved in partisan political debates. 9. We call on the Education Watch and all other sponsoring agencies and media houses to withdraw all forms of political adverts with Pastor Otabils voice with immediate effect. 10. We further call for an immediate cessation of the unwarranted insults of Pastor Otabil. 11. We wish to remind the entire populace of the important role of the Church and religious institutions in societal cohesion. 12. The pursuit of political office should not make us lose sight of the importance of timeless institutions that provide the support for our mutual coexistence and development. Issued and Signed this Thursday 15th November, 2012 by: Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Asante Rev. Joseph Eastwood Anaba Rev. Dr. Gideon Kisseih Rev. Robert Ampiah-Kuofie Rev. Andy Yawson Rev. Eric Kwapong Rev. Wisdom Dafeamekpor Bishop Matthew Addae-Mensah