Regulation of churches: Speaker Mike Oquaye opens discussions

The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, has opened discussions for a law to regulate the activities of Faith-Based Organisations or Churches.

This he believes will go a long way to rid society of quacks.

The Speaker was particularly not happy with the language, mood and misleading prophesy of some self-styled “Men of God”.

He said by their actions, they are leading families and gradually the society astray.

According to Prof. Oquaye, the actions of the false prophets may disturb the country’s existing peace if not regulated.

The former lecturer and head of Political Science Department at University of Ghana, Legon was speaking at a ceremony to mark International Peace Day.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Ben Abdallah Banda has said the need to regulate churches in the country will be top on the agenda of Parliament after recess.

This, he noted will be done in broader consultation with key religious bodies and other stakeholders for a national consensus to trigger the passage of a Bill to regulate churches.

Mr. Banda was, however, quick to add, that it will be unconstitutional to compel independent or ‘One-man churches’ to join any union or religious bodies.