MPs call for legislation to clamp down on ‘azaa’ pastors

Some Members of Parliament (MPs) are demanding action against pastors and churches preying on the gullibility of the public.

In a statement on the Floor on activities of churches, MP for Mfantsiman Constituency, Ekow Hayford said it was about time the State took drastic action against pastors who abuse people’s rights through a legislation and an independent body to manage church administration.

Backing his colleague, MP for Ablekuma Central, Ebenezer Nartey argued that some pastors in the country do not deserve to carry themselves as such.

He bemoaned how some pastors lure their members to purchase bottles of water for up to or more than GH?2,000.00.

“These same people cannot afford just a fraction of that money to go to the hospital,” he said.

He complained further that some of these churches have become a nuisance to peace and quiet “especially on weekends.”

“They hold a lot of all-nights and you cannot sleep,” he cried.

Ningo Prampram MP, Sam George argued that there must be adequate consultation before enactment of any legislation.

Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye, the Speaker of Parliament, has meanwhile given the joint committees of Youth, Sports and Culture as well as the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee a one month ultimatum to investigate and report back to the House on how best to regulate churches.

Prof. Ocquaye also frowned on the holding of church services during working hours, saying such church activities should be limited to only Saturdays and Sundays or after the working hours of 8:am to 5:pm.