Ghana Church Youth Challenge Leadership Over Tenure Dispute

A faction of young members within the Divine Healer’s Church in Greater Accra has called for the immediate resignation of the church’s governing board, accusing its leadership of exceeding constitutional term limits.

The group, led by Regional Youth Coordinator Joseph Mensah, claims the current board, headed by General Overseer Apostle Isaac Kwabena Adade, has remained in power for over two decades despite election protocols mandating periodic leadership renewal.

Mensah cited the church’s constitution, which reportedly stipulates term limits for board members. “Elections were scheduled for October 2024, but there’s no indication the current leadership plans to step down or form an electoral committee,” he told Asaase News. The youth group has announced plans to stage protests on April 27, 2025, starting at Bukom Arena and marching to the church’s Accra headquarters, to demand compliance with internal governance rules.

The dispute highlights growing tensions over transparency and accountability within religious institutions, particularly those with long-tenured leadership structures. Critics argue prolonged governance without electoral oversight risks eroding trust among congregants, especially younger members advocating for institutional reforms. Similar clashes have emerged in other Ghanaian religious organizations in recent years, reflecting broader debates about modernization and democratic practices in faith-based groups.

The Divine Healer’s Church, founded in the 1980s, has not publicly responded to the allegations. Analysts note that internal governance conflicts often test the balance between tradition and reform in Ghana’s vibrant religious landscape, where churches play significant social and economic roles. The outcome of this standoff could influence how other institutions address succession planning and youth engagement amid shifting societal expectations.

As the protest date approaches, observers await whether mediation efforts will emerge or if the demonstrations will proceed as planned. The situation underscores the challenges religious organizations face in maintaining unity while adapting to evolving demands for participatory leadership and constitutional adherence.