MDCC petitions against decision of Gomoa West District Assembly

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Musama Disco Christo Church (MDCC), has petitioned the Gomoa West District Assembly to rescind its decision to ban the mission from holding its major activities especially the Peace Festival.

“We are informed that the decision was taken mainly as a result of the expenses incurred by the Assembly to maintain security personnel anytime that trouble arises during the holding of such... activities,” the petition said.

The four-page petition signed by Reverend Isaac Kwesi Bagyinah, Acting General Secretary of the church, said although the mission appreciates the concerns raised by the assembly it was of the view that the NEC had submitted itself to reconciliatory moves by chiefs in the area to resolve the protracted conflict affecting the MDCC.

The MDCC was founded in 1922 by Prophet Jemisimiham Jehu-Appiah and when he was called into eternity in 1948, by Divine direction Prophet Mathapoly Moses Jehu-Appiah succeeded his father as the Ahaboha II (General Head Prophet) until 1972 when he died.

Prophet Miritaiah Jonah Jehu-Appiah succeeded his father as Akaboha III till 2002, when he was asked to step aside due to a sexual scandal.

In March 2006, the Swedru High Court after three years trial declared Akaboha III dismissed from office and perpetually banned him, his agents or assignees to perform any activity in the church.

“Prophet Miritaiah asked for a stay of execution at the Swedru High Court and later the Appeal Court, but his applications were turned down by the two courts. He applied for an injunction to be placed on the judgment but this was refused.

“Finally, the Appeal Court by a unanimous decision dismissed his appeal.

He gave notice to appeal at the Supreme Court,” the petition said.

Rev Bagyinah said, until the Supreme Court overturns the judgment, Prophet Miritaiah or anyone who claims to be his follower has no mandate to do anything in the name of the MDCC.

“We want to state categorically that if Prophet Miritaiah and his followers are made to submit to the laws of the land and especially to court orders, there would be no security threats in Mozano.”

The NEC asked the assembly to apply the existing court rulings or go to court to strengthen the injunction on Prophet Miritaiah and his followers.

The petition said contrary to court orders, followers of Akaboha III tried to organise a choir festival at Mozano, which coincided with a similar church programme in Accra. The NEC therefore sought a court order to restrain them leading to the arrest and imprisonment of two dissident followers of Prophet Miritaiah who tried to assault policemen detached to maintain peace.

“From the foregoing, we wish to appeal to you (Assembly authorities) to reconsider your decision to ban the holding of major activities in the church.

In a related development, the NEC organised a press conference in Mozano, Head quarters of the church and listed efforts the leadership of the MDCC had made with people in authority to reconcile the two opposing parties.

The NEC said: “Many well-meaning Ghanaians have tried to intervene without success. Nana Odeneho Ababio, the then President of the National House of Chiefs tried but failed because of lack of co-operation from the break way group and misrepresentation of facts.”

The most recent attempt was the Omanhene of Gomoa Ajumako who set up a committee of chiefs to turn the legal dismissal of Prophet Miritaiah into a retirement package.

“We want to assure the whole world that the leadership of the MDCC and indeed all its members are law-abiding people whose only error is that the church has dared to discipline its leader...

“Let all well-meaning Ghanaians in various capacities support the MDCC in its fight against indiscipline...”**