AMA tackles problems of churches using classrooms

Accra, Oct. 17, GNA - The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on Tuesday met Pastors, whose churches used government classrooms in the Metropolis for their service, to discuss problems associated with such use and its effects on pupils.

Mr Stanley Nii Adjiri Blankson, AMA Chief Executive, told the more than 300 Pastors, who gathered at the AMA Assembly Hall in Accra, that he had received complaints from various quarters about the problems encountered with churches that worshipped in the classrooms. "There have been various reports of Pastors burying elements of occultism in classrooms, which tended to haunt both children and teachers," the AMA Mayor said.

Nii Blankson cited an instance where parents withdrew their children from a school in Accra because certain spirits haunted the pupils and prevented them from learning effectively. He said currently there was a teacher requesting for transfer from a school in Accra because he claimed a spirit in the school was haunting him.

Nii Blankson said apart from the spiritual problems, some churches took over the premises of schools, putting up structures without notice to the authorities while tables and chairs used by the pupils were also destroyed.

He proposed another meeting with the Pastors on October 24 where various Parent-Teacher Associations would be represented to discuss the problem thoroughly.

Nii Blankson said if the churches wanted to continue using the classrooms they should ensure that they paid their rents up-to-date and were prepared for other conditions to be discussed later. "This matter needs to be re-visited," he said.

Mrs Elizabeth Oduro-Mensah, Accra Metro Assistant Director of Education, said the GES had already adopted a strategy to eject the churches from the classrooms.

"The classrooms will now be used in the evenings and on weekends for extra classes for the students so there will be no time for the churches to use the facilities."

The Rev. Joseph Ayesu, Head of the Christian Life and Christ Ministries, apologized for the lapses and promised that they would be good tenants when given another opportunity to use the classrooms.