President Nana Akufo-Addo has dropped the latest hint that churches aquiring wealth could be taxed as he delivered stinging criticisms at some churches.
The President speaking at a synod of the Global Evangelical church at the University of Ghana, remarked that the church is becoming a pale shadow of what it used to be generations ago.
He observed that churches have shifted from charity to prosperity and said calls for churches and their leaders to be taxed are understandable.
"I am not getting into the merits and demerits of the prosperity gospel that appears to be the main theme for many of our present-day churches. The Good Lord knows I preach prosperity myself, and I do not want this country and its people to be poor, and I am very much for wealth creation".
"But the difficult truth once you get into the wealth and prosperity sphere you necessarily slip into the tax and accounting language"
"When you step out of the charity sphere, out of education, health care you are putting yourself in the line of the tax man," he repeatedly admonished.
Ghana's leader lamented that the church used to be the moral and socio-economic conscience of society when it paid particular attention to leading campaigns like cleanliness and godliness while investing in schools and health services.
"The church preached and practiced." He chose a past tense word to describe a dwindling adherence to doctrines that promote modesty and a pro-poor posture.
President Akufo-Addo said some churches in Ghana now "compete to show who is more powerful and rich."
Some church leaders have flaunted their cars and houses as blessings from God and urged believers to expect similar blessings even as they give bountifully to God's work.
The Founder of the International God's Way Church Bishop Daniel Obinim in June 2018, acquired a a silver Rolls Royce Ghost Series 2 and bragged he could buy more as he fended off criticisms.
He was followed by founder and leader of Anointed Palace Chapel, Rev. Obofour who also bought a similar Rolls Royce.
The President, an orthodox Christian, said the average Ghanaian who goes to church can no longer identify with the lifestyle choices of their church leaders.
The President declined to name and shame, he said but added that "some of the churches appear to forget about the poor and vulnerable."
He also expressed worry about excessive noise pollution during church services such as all-night. These days, churches have been "keeping whole communities awake night after night" through bluring microphones, drumming and playing instruments to disturbing levels."
The President's call is expected to re-ignite another debate about churches and taxes.
In November 2017, deputy Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame also dropped hints government will be collecting taxes on irreligious activities of churches.
At the height of Ghana's energy crisis, the Finance minister Seth Terkper in March 2014 said churches that have ventured into businesses will have to pay tax.
The minister while inaugurating the Ga Presbyterian (GAP) Micro Finance Limited of the Ga Presbytery Church of Ghana in Accra said;
“Jesus Christ instructed His followers to pay tax and obey the laws of the land. So religious bodies that operate profit making businesses must respect the laws governing the country.”
Latest Stories
-
Almost a third of people in Gaza not eating for days, UN food programme warns
16 minutes -
Afenyo-Markin offers apology to Dr. Ayensu-Danquah over “strange reasons” remark
26 minutes -
How Dr. Ayensu-Danquah cleverly evaded Afenyo-Markin at her vetting
52 minutes -
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah defends professorship, stating 15 years of teaching surgery
3 hours -
Access Bank honoured with two prestigious awards at 2025 HESS Awards
3 hours -
A/R: Aspiring nurse killed in Denase gun attack
4 hours -
Oti Region to get university within my tenure – Mahama reaffirms pledge
4 hours -
Kofi Bentil calls for abolition of regional ministers
5 hours -
Daughter killed in father’s arson attack over sex denial
5 hours -
GIHOC to undergo restructuring amidst crippling inefficiency and GH¢427m debt
5 hours -
NPA Scandal: Four suspects remain in custody after failing to meet bail conditions
6 hours -
NPP to open 2028 flagbearer nominations on July 29
7 hours -
Sam George to open Pan-African AI Summit 2025
7 hours -
NDC opens nominations for Akwatia parliamentary primaries on July 28
8 hours -
Guinness Ghana DJ Awards opened new doors for my career – DJ Pho
8 hours