A Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Dr. Harry Agbanu, has called for pastors and other religious leaders to have formal educational qualifications before beginning their ministry.
Speaking on 3FM Sunrise on August 11, Dr. Agbanu argued that training would equip faith leaders to offer sound guidance to their congregations. “Even in the Bible, during the time of Jesus Christ, when he called his apostles, they had to go through some training before they could preach the word. Without preparation, you cannot claim to be a man of God,” he said.
He noted the significant influence religious figures wield over individuals and communities, stressing that “you cannot be anybody at all who is allowed to influence the psyche and religion of people.” He supported setting basic qualification standards for those in ministry.
Dr. Agbanu’s remarks come in the wake of a new government directive requiring religious leaders to submit prophecies of national importance for review before making them public. The policy, announced after a fatal military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of senior officials and military personnel, has drawn mixed reactions.
While dismissing claims that the move is intended to stifle religious freedom, Dr. Agbanu said curbing unverified prophecies that cause fear and panic is a step in the right direction.
In a statement on August 10, Presidential Envoy Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, speaking for President John Mahama, thanked churches and religious bodies for their spiritual support and urged them to channel sensitive revelations directly to his office. He also appealed for “intense prayers” for the nation in the wake of the recent tragedy.
