Alex Kwaku Tetteh, founder and president of Citizen Eye Ghana, has reiterated the importance of the church to Ghanaian society, calling for the contributions of men of God to national development to be recognised.

Speaking at a press conference, he said the church had come under heavy criticism over the past year, including from some Christians, with prophets and men of God who demonstrate the power of God becoming targets of ridicule.

He suggested that people often expect perfection from an institution that represents God.

“The church has been attacked seriously, even by Christians, and I think it is because people expect perfection from a place that represents God,” he said.

Tetteh said the church had contributed to national development by establishing schools, instilling good morals in its members and providing young people with opportunities to develop their talents.

He noted that many musicians, sound engineers, actors and public speakers began their careers in church.

“The church has built schools and trained its members in good morals, and it has been a place where talent grows,” he said.

He maintained that while religious leaders who misconduct themselves should be criticised, those who contribute positively to national development also deserve recognition.

“Those who go wrong must be criticised, but we must be just as ready to praise those who are playing a vital role in building this nation,” he stated.

Tetteh commended Rev Isaac Osei Bonsu, founder and General Overseer of Father’s Chapel International Ministry in Akyem Tafo, describing him as a prophet who does good works while remaining humble.

“Snr Rev Isaac Osei Bonsu is one of such prophets. He does good works and stays grounded and humble, true to the cause of revealing Jesus,” Tetteh said.

According to him, the clergyman has supported underprivileged people on several occasions, with various individuals and organisations in the Eastern Region benefiting from his generosity.

He added that the clergyman had made it a tradition to donate to the needy every year on his birthday, October 9.

“The works of such men must be exalted above those who bring disrepute to the prophetic ministry and the work of God,” he said.

Tetteh also cited Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams as a senior clergyman whose contributions to Ghana have been significant, both spiritually and materially.

“Men like Archbishop Duncan Williams and Snr. Rev. Osei Bonsu have served this country in spirit and in flesh, and they should be our examples,” he said.

Tetteh's remarks also drew attention to the role churches play in nurturing talent, particularly in music, entertainment and public speaking.

Church choirs provide children and young people with opportunities to develop their singing abilities and perform before audiences. Similarly, young people who play musical instruments during services gain practical experience that can help them pursue careers in music.

Churches also offer opportunities for young people to acquire technical skills through sound engineering, camera operation and livestream production. These experiences can serve as a foundation for careers in broadcasting, event production and other creative fields.

Drama groups and church productions, particularly during Easter and Christmas celebrations, also give aspiring actors opportunities to develop their skills and perform before audiences.

Public speaking skills are often nurtured through activities such as reading scripture, leading prayers, making announcements and teaching Sunday school. These responsibilities can help build the confidence needed for public speaking and leadership.

Beyond talent development, some churches operate schools, provide scholarships, organise mentorship programmes and offer skills training and information technology classes to young people in their communities.

The press conference comes amid public scrutiny of religious institutions and their leaders. Tetteh acknowledged the need to hold religious leaders accountable for misconduct but argued that the church's contributions to society should also be recognised.

He maintained that while the actions of some ministers may bring the prophetic ministry into disrepute, their conduct should not define the public perception of the entire church.

According to him, the church's contributions to education, moral development, talent cultivation and community support remain important to Ghana's development.