The Ghana Charismatic Bishops’ Conference has called on the Government to close all centers of intense social interaction without fear or favor, and not to discriminate by closing down churches, schools, and institutions which they deem frivolous or dispensable in the society.
The Bishops are worried that the notices from the Government do not mention the closure of night clubs, restaurants, shopping malls, busy office banks, drinking spots, chop bars, lorry stations, and markets.
A statement released by the Bishops commended the President of the Republic for responding to the public’s need for leadership and direction at such a time of heightened public anxiety and fears. We believe many of the tactics put in place will forestall the further spread of the disease.
The statement said “Churches own and run a significant part of the health infrastructure and hospitals in the nation. As the announcement has gone forth to close down activities of these churches, shall we assume that the health facilities which these churches run are also to close down?”
It said “We find it unfortunate that important church groupings such as the Ghana Charismatic Bishops’ Conference, National Association of Charismatic & Christian Churches, and Ghana Pentecostal Council have not been engaged in the making of this announcement. The arbitrary closure of churches and places of worship without consultation or discussion for 4 weeks, smacks of a disregard of the importance of the church’s role in the country. This disregard of the place of this powerful social and religious institution, to which over 70% of Ghanaians belong, is wrong.”
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Kofi Atakora
