Gov’t sponsoring clergy to Israel is no crime - Kofi Adams

Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams says government did not err in attempting to sponsor members of the Clergy to attend a religious pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

He stated that the Clergy as messengers of God have a key role to play in Ghana’s development. Thus there is nothing wrong with government supporting them to intensify their intercessory prayers on behalf of the nation, especially in "these trying moments".

The Mahama-led administration has been heavily criticized for attempting to sponsor a number of religious leaders to embark on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

According to newspaper reports, government wanted to invest $2 million in support of some 200 selected pastors to the trip.

But most of the churches involved have issued a directive to their pastors to decline the offer.

President of the Catholics Bishop Conference, Rt. Rev. Osei Bonsu has directed Rev. Fathers or Bishops who wish to go on the pilgrimage to sponsor themselves.

But speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, Kofi Adams said the hullabaloo about government's gesture to the clergy is much ado about nothing.

He said at a time that the nation is grappling with water and electricity crises, "we need the religious leaders to provide spiritual direction and guidance for a lasting solution to the problems.

“Since when did praying for a country become a sin? I am really shocked about the views and perceptions of people concerning this,” he bemoaned.

Kofi Adams added that the money involved will not be enough to solve the problems currently confronting the country and that arguments that the amount was being wasted were moot.

“Who says prayers are not important? I don’t think it is a bad idea at all. I think this time the country needs prayers... and people must be praying for Ghana”.

Former Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, also speaking on the same show, alleged that government’s 'juicy package' to the clergy was an attempt to bribe them.

He believes the move was meant to win back goodwill from the clergy who have in recent times been subjected to public ridicule by members of the ruling party.

The former Asokwa MP commended those pastors who rejected the offer and urged others to emulate their example.

Kofi Jumah advised government to desist from misusing the tax-payers' money for selfish gains.