We are not afraid to criticize gov’t – Opoku Onyinah debunks public assertion about the clergy

Former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Nimfour Opoku Onyinah has debunked public assertions that the clergy in the country are afraid to criticize the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led government.

Speaking on the Hard Truth aired on JoyNews on Tuesday, January, 4, monitored by GhanaPlus.com, he said the clergy is not afraid to criticize the government however, there are times for everything and that explains their silent on certain issues.

He added they cannot be seen to be singing the song of others without evidence of their own of how good or bad, legitimate or otherwise of the said concerns the public have on particular government issues.

“No, that is not the case because sometimes people like to push you to say something, but you don’t have to say something if you haven’t got something to say. So you should be convinced. And this is very important. I think they are doing their work because I see the Catholic Bishop Conference raising issues, I see Christian Council, CPC.  They come out but they should not sing just the song of some people,” Apostle Opoku Onyinah said when asked if the clergy is afraid to criticize the government.

“It would have to be investigated and come out so here you can’t just say that the churches should just come and say that, the churches will have to base their statement with research,” the renowned man of God said.

“I don’t think the religious leaders are afraid of the government. I think that they come out when they need to come out. There is a time to speak and there is a time to be silent, so there is time for everything,” he reiterated.

Advising in public is not the best – Opoku Onyinah

The one time President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council said even if the clergy had to speak on any issues or advice the government, there are appropriate avenue to do same adding that making it publicly is never an option.

 “Even If I need to say something I will not come and stand in the public and say it .  If you want to advice somebody to take it, the best way is to approach the person secretly and speak that is the best way to come out and then after you say it you should also not go out and say that, it doesn’t work that way. Even next time you advice that person, he won’t take it,” Apostle Opoku Onyinah said.

Public outcry over the clergy seeming silence on national issues

Leadership of the Christian community in Ghana, especially, its mother body, the Christian Council and others have come under several public scrutiny over its seaming silence on national issues, especially, under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led administration.

Many are of the view, either they are afraid of the government or afraid they would be witch hunt by same if they speak out about some of the unpopular decisions made by the government, notably, the controversial e-levy, the President’s luxurious travels, excessive borrowing and host of others.

Source: GhanaPlus.com