Mahama's church rejects Israel trip

The Assemblies of God church, where President John Dramani Mahama fellowships, has also rejected the government’s offer to take some of its leaders to Israel on a pilgrimage.

The church said although “it is true that the pilgrimage to Israel can be an enriching spiritual experience for any individual who undertakes it, it is of no special consequence to our eternal salvation".

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Rev. Dr. John B. Ghartey, the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, said: “The church will therefore not endorse any spending of the nation's scarce resources on things of this nature while there are pressing needs.

“We shall not condone this move by adding our pastors to any such list.”

The government’s decision to fly some 200 religious leaders to Israel at a cost of $600,000 has angered civil society organisations and some religious groups who say the decision is a misplaced priority.

President Mahama’s explanation that the cost of the trip is to be borne by a philanthropist – whom he didn’t name – did not do much to douse the flames.

Whilst refraining from condemning the government for its decision, the church said it was, however, “fully aware of the challenges facing the nation, and we advise that the government considers the plight of the people as a priority".

The church said it was proud that the President and the First Lady “hold their church membership with our organisation” but whilst “we celebrate the fact that one of our own has risen to the highest office of the land… we see this more as a responsibility for us rather than a privilege.”