Too many charlatans posing as pastors – Rawlings

Former president JJ Rawlings is concerned about the rising trend of charlatans within the religious setup posing as religious leaders.

He said the clergy has to clean its ranks instead of giving “undue publicity” to the dubious personalities among them.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the new Metropolitan Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, the former president said: “You’re letting us get away with too much. We are getting immune.”

He added: “The church has been monetized and in giving undue publicity to charlatans and frauds posing as religious leaders we help not only to expand their activities and influence but we also contribute to keeping people ignorant.

During the two-hour meeting which focused on local and international politics, society and leadership, former President Rawlings urged Catholic clergy to endeavour to speak out against wrongs in society as they used to do in the past.

“The Catholic Church and other formal and traditional churches still maintain a high level of respect and credibility and must speak up. Our beautiful country and people deserve better from political leaders from all political divides,” former President Rawlings said.”

On his part, Most Reverend Kwofie commended Rawlings for standing up for the poor and underprivileged in society.

Archbishop Kwofie said the respect and commitment the former President had demonstrated towards the youth is something that is appreciated and recognized by many.

Accompanied by leading clergy from the Archdiocese, Most Reverend Kwofie said former President Rawlings was an Apostle fighting against injustice and the protection of the core values of society.

Recognising that the former President was an angry man because of wrongs in society, Archbishop Kwofie said: “We have come to pledge togetherness with you. We are here because of who you are in the country. We are all working to make society and Ghana better.”

The Catholic delegation informed the former President that as a parishioner of the Accra diocese they had come to check how well he was, impart their blessings and wish him well.

Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra by Pope Francis on January 2, 2019. He was officially installed as Archbishop on March 1, 2019. Prior to his new posting he was the Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese of the church.

The Metropolitan Archbishop was accompanied by an eleven-man team comprising Francis Adoboli – Vicar General, Anthony Adu-Mensah – Chancellor & Secretary to the Archbishop, Joseph Arthur – Financial Administrator, Samuel Filton-Mensah – Cathedral Administrator, Andrew Quaye-Foli – Priest in charge of Religious, Charles Ackon – Protocol, Emmanuel Gosu – Dean of Tema-Battor Deanery, John Benyah Mensa – Dean of Madina Deanery, Thomas Betuyre – Dean of Mamprobi Deanery, Peter Rocky Hesse – Dean of Kpehe Deanery, Edmund Donkor-Baine – Dean of Kaneshie.