Statement From Jehu-Appiah of Musama Church

Dear Webmaster
I wish to respond to the two articles about the leader of the Musama Church published by your website in the past one week. I see that the news reported throw light on issues arising out of the running of the church in Mozano and allegations levelled against the present Akaboha. However, much as I cannot hold anything against news reporting, I think that, to be fair, the Akaboha should be given a chance tell his side of the story.

I can assure you that none of the so-called elders have approached the Akaboha to hear his side of the story. Thus the so-called investigations into his activities are inconclusive. I believe that, if the Akaboha is given the chance to present his side of the story or further background fact-finding is conducted, a fairer and more balanced news can be written for the consumption of your very wide critical readership.

In all the excitement, some untruths may be told. For example, the present Akaboha has only 2 sons - my younger brother Jemistan and myself - and neither of us have left the church as reported by the paper. This came as a surprise to us. I still perform my functions as staunch elders of the church in London and your representatives in London can come and see for themselves.

Also it is interesting that all the alleged victims are daughters of those who stand to benefit when the Akabaha is removed, This raises serious questions about the credibility of these witnesses.

Finally the 19 elders and pastors who signed the resolution are a very small minority (19 out 80,000 "Musamans") and they do not represent the views of the church at large. In drafting the said resolution they did not consult with the station elders, the district pastors and other organs such as the Nataloma Band (The Women Fellowship), which is the largest single group in the church. For example I am one of the elders in London but I was not consulted on any of these issues. These 19 elders do not have the mandate from the people they claim to represent and they are acting for their own self-interest

Kofi Jehu-Appiah
LondonOn The Musama Church.

On The Musama Church.

Dear Webmaster,
I have followed the recent publications on Ghanaweb about the so-called shortcomings of the Akaboha which has been blown out of proportions especially in the Ghanaian papers. While I do not which to hold brief for anybody, care must be taken before conclusions are drawn. The rate and level at which stories about the Akaboha are being told make the veracity of such stories suspect. Especially when names are mentioned which can only be traced to an insider. It may not be far fetched to attempt to imagine that somebody or group of people who have either fallen out of favour with the Akaboha or are persuing personal agendas are behind such publications which at the end of the day tarnishes the image of the Church and puts the unity of the Church “auf Probe.”

Of course the Musama Church has its share of problems like any other religious institution. But do we have to go to such lengths to defame our Church.? Where were all these people who claim to have been following the activities of the Akaboha.? Why did they not call him to order then. Now one of the Akaboha`s sons has stopped fellowshipping with the Church; they claim. Which of his two sons. Kofi in London or chief in Ghana? Fellow Musamans, let us be carefull about throwing the first stone, for I shudder to imagine the consequences.

Sam Anim
Berlin.