News
CSOs cry for govt, private sector support
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ghana are in dire need of support from the government and private sector to run their activities.
This was disclosed at the launch of the 2022 CSO Sustainability Index Report by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) in Accra, on the theme, ‘Ghana’s Economic Crisis: Threats and Opportunities for CSO Sustainability.’
The report captured seven areas including, Legal Environment, Organisational Capacity, Financial Viability, Advocacy, Service Provision, Sectoral Infrastructure and Public Image.
Presenting the report, a Development Consultant, Mr Douglas Quartey said most CSOs received support and funding from foreign organisations which was not sustainable because they were overburdened by the huge number of registered CSOs in the country.
“Foreign donors remained the main source of funding for most CSOs. The major donors in 2022 included bilateral and multilateral bodies such as USAID, UK Aid Direct, European Union, German Agency for International Cooperation and Embassy of Netherlands,” he stated.
He said the ongoing changes in the funding landscape including the shift of donors’ focus to areas lacking a strong civil society component, such as trade, continued to reduce the pool of funding available to CSOs.
He added that, although a few CSOs had diversified funding, there were limited opportunities for most organisations to develop multiple funding sources.
To address the challenge, the Senior Research Fellow at IDEG, Mr Kwesi Jonah said the current crisis offered an opportunity for CSOs to reflect on several creative ways of surviving which include managing limited funds available to stay in business.
“CSOs must also find ways of managing risks and put in efforts to limit spending while falling back on their board for connections and collaborations to help manage the crisis,” he stated.
The government and the private sector, he said must also come on board to support the activities of CSOs in Ghana.
“We need to form a stronger partnership that would lead to sustainability of the sector. It is a responsibility to educate ourselves on the roles of the CSOs towards national development and push towards proper support from the government and private sector,” he stated.
He said, there was the need to engage in new conversations with donors not to withdraw their support while NGOs must avoid competitions and engage in strategic partnerships.
By Michael D. Abayateyea
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Is the “Rev” title biblical?
In many Ghanaian churches, pastors are often introduced as “Reverend” or simply “Rev.”
The title is seen as a mark of respect, yet its biblical basis continues to stir debate.
While some Christians argue that it is a harmless way to honour church leaders, others insist it is unbiblical and should not be used at all.
Those who question the title usually point to the Bible itself. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus or the apostles use “Reverend” for themselves or for one another.
Instead, they addressed each other as “brother” or “servant.” In Matthew 23, Jesus even warned his followers not to seek titles such as “rabbi” or “father,” teaching that all believers are equal under one God.
Critics also note that Psalm 111:9 describes God’s name alone as “holy and reverend” in the King James Bible.
To them, this means the word should be reserved for God, not for human beings. Others go further, citing Job 32, which cautions against giving flattering titles to men.
For such voices, the modern use of “Reverend” risks elevating pastors beyond what the Bible prescribes.
On the other hand, defenders of the title argue that it is not meant to replace God’s reverence but simply to acknowledge a minister’s role.
In many churches, “Reverend” is given to ordained ministers who have undergone training, much like the way a doctor is addressed as “Dr.”
The Bible itself, they point out, encourages believers to honour their leaders, with 1 Timothy 5:17 stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are “worthy of double honour.”
In this sense, the title is seen as a formal courtesy rather than a theological statement.
Supporters remind critics that Christianity does not operate in a vacuum but within cultural settings.
In Ghanaian society, respect for elders and authority is central to social order. Just as chiefs are addressed with titles such as “Nana” or “Togbe,” many Christians believe it is fitting to extend a similar courtesy to church leaders.
In their view, calling a pastor “Reverend” reflects Ghanaian values of honour and respect, and does not amount to worshipping a human being.
Yet the debate is far from settled. Some argue that the title has been abused, with individuals presenting themselves as “Reverend” without any proper training or accountability.
Calls have even been made for the regulation of church titles to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of ministry. Others, however, see no harm in its continued use, so long as it is not taken beyond what Scripture allows.
At the heart of the matter lies a bigger question: should Christians stick strictly to biblical language when addressing their leaders, or is it acceptable to adapt titles as society evolves?
The conversation is not just theological but cultural, touching on how Ghana balances respect for tradition with the authority of Scripture.
The debate over the “Rev” title is therefore not one with easy answers. What is clear, however, is that it forces us to reflect on how we show honour, how we interpret the Bible, and how faith interacts with our cultural practices.
As the discussion continues in church pews and on social platforms, we ask you: should pastors and ministers be called “Reverend,” or should Christians abandon the title altogether?
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Brigadier General Michael Opoku not under arrest – GAF confirms
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has denied reports claiming that Brigadier General Michael Opoku has been arrested by security operatives for possessing ammunition.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and signed by Captain V.A. Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, GAF said enquiries from various security agencies and national investigation authorities had not confirmed the alleged arrest.
The statement explained that Brigadier General Michael Opoku remains an active member of the Ghana Armed Forces and is not under arrest for any crime.
GAF further assured the public that any military officer found to have committed a crime would face the same legal procedures as any other citizen.
It added that the report of his arrest was false and should be ignored, urging the public to desist from spreading misinformation and disinformation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
