Nogokpo community tells Agyinasare
The Nogokpo Community in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, has told Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, the founder of Perez Chapel International in the face that being married to an Ewe lady with children bearing Ewe names cannot be equated to an apology for his recent unsavory remarks about the community.
The Convener of the Nogokpo community, Nufialaga Mawufemor Korbla Nonyigbey, has therefore, asked the Archbishop to do the right thing by rendering an apology to the community.
The Convener, insisted that the community would like him to appear before the elders of the town to do the honourable thing.
“Honestly, I find it difficult when they say he has sent an apology when there is no such thing. He came to justify himself by saying he is married to an Ewe and his children have Ewe names. To us, that is not an apology, and we would want him to come before us to apologise”, the convener said in an interview on Citi FM yesterday.
This comes as the National Peace Council has disclosed that it has taken a proactive step in mediating a peace agreement between the Nogokpo Traditional Authorities and Archbishop Agyinasare.
This decision comes in response to a growing conflict between the Nogokpo community and Archbishop Agyinasare, triggered by remarks made by the Archbishop during a sermon where he referred to Nogokpo as the “demonic headquarters” of the Volta Region.
Leaders of the Nogokpo town, had insisted they will not back down on their 14-day ultimatum to Archbishop Agyinasare, to appear before them to resolve a dispute arising from his comment that Nogokpo is the “demonic headquarters of the Volta Region.”
The comments made by the revered Archbishop drew criticism from the indigenes of Nogokpo and the wider Volta Region.
The revered Archbishop Agyinasare, rendered an apology for his comments, but that did not stop the Nogokpo Traditional Council from issuing a two-week ultimatum to the Archbishop to appear before them.
In a statement yesterday, Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Chairman of the Peace Council, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, said “The National Peace Council has noted with concern the current impasse between Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, the founder of Perez Chapel International and Nogokpo Traditional Authorities.”
It added, “Recognizing the fact that the impasse if not quickly addressed may have consequences on peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in the country, the National Peace Council, in pursuit of its mandate to facilitate conflict prevention, appeals to the Nogokpo Traditional Authorities and Perez Chapel International to remain calm and not give in to provocations as efforts are being undertaken to address the situation.”
“The Council calls on all those who have been affected in any way by the stalemate to exercise restraint and circumspection in their comments and pronouncements on the matter. The Council further urges the media and all those who make statements on the matter to exercise maximum restraint in their narratives to protect the peace, stability, and integrity of our beloved country.
“We want to inform the public that the Volta Regional Peace Council has begun the process to engage the parties for amicable redress.”
Nufialaga Mawufemor Korbla Nonyigbey, He further elaborated that the comments of the Archbishop are nothing but stereotyping the community.
“Nogokpo is a land of peace, and we are caring people, and we are a land of justice. We are known for serving justice and not on the negative side but on the positive side and Nogokpo has been a source of justice the world over.
“When someone robs you of your belongings, and you have tried all other means without getting your belongings, that is when you say you are going to Nogokpo. The perception that people have is a result of comments like what Agyinasare made.”
Mr Nonyigbey also lamented the implications of the Archbishop’s comments, which he said are likely to affect the next generation.
“Attention is now focused on the Archbishop, but we are not paying attention to the damage it has done to the people of the town. The implications of this on the next generation are very negative, so we have to get to the bottom of it so that it doesn’t happen again.”
On Sunday, 28th May 2023, Archbishop Agyinssare spoke about his comments on Nogokpo saying “I have received calls from people very close to me and my attention has been drawn to social media commentary on some portions of comments I made this past Thursday during the Supernatural Empowerment Summit here in the Perez Dome.
I was speaking on the divine protection we as Christians enjoy from God and was teaching congregants on the need to activate divine protection from demonic attacks. This is a cardinal principle of our faith as Charismatic Christians.
To drive home my point, I made reference to several instances where I have encountered manifestations of demonic powers in my crusades which have taken me to over 92 countries of the world. I gave an example of people who were seeking to levitate during a crusade in India. I gave an example of an attack I suffered as a very young Pastor who had gone to preach at a bus stop around Korle Bu.
In reference to Nogokpo, I wish to clarify that I never intended to refer to the town but an incident that happened after a crusade at Aflao. I had absolutely no intention to cast a slur upon the people of the Nogokpo Town and the Volta Region as a whole.
I have had a very cordial relationship with the people of the Volta Region. My wife of 38 years is an Ewe from Keta. And two of my sons bear Ewe names. All of the examples I gave were not intended to denigrate any of the towns and their people but to elucidate the principle of divine protection to congregants.
Any misrepresentation or misinformation that has characterised the subsequent commentary and reportage is regretted.
My Ministry over the past 40 years has been one that has spoken up at critical times in our Nation as a spiritual gatekeeper and I remain committed to serving God’s people and our Nation as the spirit directs.”
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