A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy of the University of Ghana, Dr Harry Agbanu has raised the need for men of God to possess educational credentials before embarking on their spiritual journey.
Speaking in an interview with 3FM Sunrise Johnny Hughes on August 11, following the government’s call for religious leaders to submit sensitive prophecies that concern the nation and its top officials for review before making them public, Dr Agbanu argues that some formal education can enhance a leader’s ability to provide sound guidance to their congregation.
“I endorse the need for men of God to have educational credentials before they practice. Because even in the Bible, during the time of Jesus Christ, when he called his apostles, they had to go through some training to be launched to go and preach the word. Without preparation, you cannot claim to be a man of God.” He argued.
The Senior Lecturer also explained that “the influence of our pastors, our prophets, our religious people on the lives of individuals cannot be overemphasised. And therefore, you cannot be anybody at all who is allowed to influence the psyche, the religion of people. So there must be some basic qualifications.” Dr. Agbanu justified.
Dr Harry Agbanu however dismissed claims of government efforts to gag religious practices.
“I think it’s in the right direction that some attempts are being made now to curtail these kinds of prophecies that generate fear and panic among the people.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 10, on behalf of President John Mahama, Presidential Envoy Elvis Afriyie Ankrah expressed “heartfelt appreciation” to churches and other religious bodies for their “unwavering spiritual support, intercessory prayers, and sustained leadership in promoting peace, moral integrity, and national unity.”
He stressed that the role of faith leaders in Ghana’s “spiritual and civic life remains indispensable” and urged them to channel sensitive revelations directly to his office. The office provided contact details for this purpose, including an email address and phone number.
Mr Afriyie Ankrah also appealed for “intense prayers” following a recent tragic accident that claimed lives, including government officials, military personnel, and members of the ruling NDC party.
