'Many influential pastors have turned into presidential advisers' - NPP MP alleges

Member of Parliament for New Juaben South and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Trade and Industry Committee, Michael Okyere Baafi, has criticised some members of the clergy, accusing them of staying quiet on important national matters.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme on April 1, 2026, Okyere Baafi claimed that certain high-profile pastors have assumed roles as advisers to the presidency, a situation he believes is influencing their reluctance to speak openly.

He noted that many of these religious figures were outspoken during the tenure of former President Akufo-Addo but have since gone silent under the current administration led by President John Dramani Mahama.

According to him, this change in posture shows double standards, stressing that religious leaders are expected to remain impartial and consistently hold leadership accountable, regardless of which political party is in power.

Baafi further called on the clergy to remain fair and principled in their commentary on national issues, stressing that many Ghanaians depend on them for moral direction and guidance.

“Many influential pastors have turned into presidential advisers. Those who once portrayed themselves as saints and opposed Akufo-Addo are now surprisingly silent. This behaviour is hypocritical. Mahama’s government has been in power for two years now, and soon the NDC will hold elections, leading to shifts in allegiance.

“Clergy have much to teach us, so we must respect Ghanaians. They should remain neutral, expressing their views on what is good and what is bad,” he stated.

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