Features
The Ghanaian Diaspora and fake pastors
Today, I write about an issue I have been worried about for some time now. It is about how some pastors deceive other people, both at home and abroad.
My focus, however, is more on members of the Ghanaian Diaspora and how they are deceived and even duped by some pastors in Ghana. Please, do not get me wrong; I know there are many genuine and good pastors out there who help to solve people’s problems through powerful prayers and other kinds of support.
My point here is about false prophets or fake pastors who take advantage of others’ predicament to make claims and so-called prophecies in order to dupe unsuspecting people.
Highly religious
Many members of the Ghanaian Diaspora are highly religious. For example, in Europe research studies on religion and migrants indicate an increasing growth of the Charismatic or Pentecostal churches.
In Finland, the many emerging Pentecostal and Charismatic churches are dominated by Ghanaian and other African migrants or people who identify with their African roots.
Many Ghanaian migrants count on their faith and religious convictions and experiences to understand and explain their social realities, including difficult situations such as sickness and suspicions of witchcraft attacks.
Encounters with Pastors in Ghana
Aside their regular pastors, many members of the Ghanaian Diaspora also consult pastors (or even fetish priests) in Ghana to help them with prayers or incantations for spiritual help and protection.
There are many people who believe in men of God. But, I am sure that if you ask some migrants they will tell you many stories of having paid monies to pastors in Ghana only to realise later that it was not worth putting their trust in those so-called men of God.
Usually, the pastors would ask the migrants themselves or a family member of the migrant to give some money with which to work out a remedy for the problem facing the person in question.
Such so-called men of God can give some outrageous ‘prophecies’ in order to put fear in people and make them pay sums of money.
Desperation or fear of spiritual attacks
It is understandable that when one is faced with hardship or some unfortunate situation such as ill-health or loss of job and other opportunities, you become desperate and may seek help from pastors.
Some people are even of the view that the entrenched belief in spiritual things and supernaturalism, as others may term it, would always make people believe in the claims and activities of even fake pastors, no matter how distasteful
Ignorance
Some people think that there is too much ignorance and many people are simply vulnerable. Some people are of the opinion that ignorance is largely the cause. But the question is, is it all about ignorance? That is, do such bad pastors capitalise on merely the ignorance of the people?
How I wish it would not always be a case of people being simply gullible and following the fake pastors.
Occultism or hypnotism
But some people believe that the fake pastors carry out the bad things not just because the people are ignorant, but because the so-called men of God hypnotise their victims.
It is believed that many such pastors are into occultism and only use the name of God to cover up and deceive others. Otherwise, how else would they succeed in taking huge sums of monies from the victims?
To me, these bad pastors use psychology to hoodwink their unsuspecting adherents. No matter what it is, surely there is the need to prevent the duping activities of bad pastors.
Regulations and education
There is need for regulations to curtail such activities by the bad pastors whose untoward behaviours create distaste in society. Their actions undoubtedly create unpleasant perceptions about even the genuine pastors.
As for members of the Ghanaian Diaspora, I think many would heave a sigh of relief if they can find a way to avoid being swindled by fake pastors or that there are quick avenues for redress.
Some people have even suggested that our chiefs and queens should get involved in any action to check the activities of fake pastors who dupe people.
Finally, I wish the media would also play a key role in educating people. There is need for fearless media people who would probe into the activities of fake pastors rather than giving them attention and propagating the false messages of such so-called men (and women) of God.
Happy New Year to you all! Thank you!
By Dr Perpetual Crentsil,
Ghanaian lecturer,
The University of Helsinki in Finland
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
