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The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante, has asked the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to reconsider its decision to ban churches from worshipping in classrooms.

According to him, despite the fact that some churches did not handle facilities as required of them, others, on the other hand, were very careful. 

“The AMA, all the same, has every right to issue directives to regulate the usage of the classrooms to ensure that the facilities are kept in good condition,” he said.

Most Rev. Asante said he had once attended school in a church and that there was a symbiotic relationship between churches and educational institutions.

He said this in an interview with the Daily Graphic at a ceremony held in Accra yesterday to induct members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Lord’s Pentecostal Church into office. 

He said only a few churches were able to put up buildings early in their missionary work, as others had to go about it one step at a time. 

He, nonetheless, urged churches that used classroom facilities for their activities to ensure they maintained them because the structures, for the most part, served public good.

AMA decision
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), last two weeks directed that all religious activities in schools under the Accra Metro of Education be halted by July this year.

According to the Assembly, the activities of churches in schools have over the years served as a disincentive to the provision of infrastructure and proper management of educational facilities.

‘Be in constant fellowship’
The Most Rev. Asante, who is also the Chairman of the National Peace Council, urged leaders of the Lord’s Pentecostal Church to emulate the life of Christ to help win souls for God.

He said the task ahead of them was challenging, but they would be successful if they were in constant fellowship with the Lord.

Induction service
The General Overseer of the Lord’s Pentecostal Church, Apostle Dr Richard Buafor, who is head of the newly installed  National Executive Committee, was inducted into office together with 12 others. 

Apostle Buafor had served as the President of the NEC for 10 years. He said his assumption of office as head of the committee was a call from God and came with a commission to lead the church into greater destiny.

Among the inductees were Apostle Eric Otoo as General Secretary, Apostle David Khorbs as Media Relations Director, Rev. Gilbert Kogbe, Director of Ghana Missions, with Rev. Chris Sorkpor coming in as Director of Finance.

Others were Rev. Nat Hagin and Apostle Daniel Quarshie as Director of Christian Education and Director of Projects respectively and six ex-officio members of the committee.

According to Apostle Buafor, the executive had come into office at a time when the practice of Christianity in the country was in question. He prayed that the NEC would make meaningful contributions to society.

“Our goal is to work hard in order to bring about change in the areas of education, finance and the general wellbeing of members of the church, among others,” he said.

He said the church had established 117 branches in the country over the past 10 years and had also founded schools and given educational scholarships to 31 students to pursue further studies.