Head Pastor of the Holy Hill Chapel, Assemblies of God Church Rev. Kwadwo Bempah has clarified widespread reports of comments he made on the president-elect’s ORAL team, a group tasked with investigating alleged electoral malpractices in the aftermath of the 2024 elections during his Sunday Service on December 22.
In a video that went viral on social media, the revered preacher charged President John Mahama to prioritize stabilizing the economy, and exchange rates amongst others. He said ““We voted for you to bring the dollar down, not to chase people.”
The ORAL (Operation Recover All Loot) Team has come under the spotlight following allegations of electoral irregularities in several constituencies, with opposition parties championing its establishment. However, Rev. Bempah in a new video has clarified his statements on the ORAL Team as well as other controversial comments he made on governance during his sermon.
He said “Accountability for wrongdoing: At no point did I imply that individuals who have committed any form of wrongdoing should avoid accountability. I firmly believe that those who have misappropriated resources must face justice and what rightfully belongs to the nation should be recovered for the benefit of all. Justice must prevail to restore what is rightfully ours. ”Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger, yet if caught, he must pay seven-folds, he must give all the wealth of his house’ Proverbs 6:30/31.”
Read his full transcribed statement below:
“I have a little clarification I want to make out of last Sunday’s message titled ‘I did not speak against holding wrongdoers accountable or the ORAL committee set by the government’.. I’ve taken note of a recorded excerpt from my message I preached last Sunday, December 22 that is currently circulating on social media and I wish to clarify he following points.
Comments on the incoming government and the exchange rate: My remarks were not intended to suggest that the incoming government could immediately address the exchange rate between the dollar and the cedi before officially assuming office, as these challenges require time and systematic intervention. Thus it will be premature to expect them to resolve such challenges at this stage. ‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens’ Ecclesiastes 3:1.
2. Accountability for wrongdoing: At no point did I imply that individuals who have committed any form of wrongdoing should avoid accountability. I firmly believe that those who have misappropriated resources must face justice and what rightfully belongs to the nation should be recovered for the benefit of all. Justice must prevail to restore what is rightfully ours. ‘Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger, yet if caught, he must pay seven-folds, he must give all the wealth of his house’ Proverbs 6:30/31.
3. Encouraging hard work: My primary goal was to encourage members of the church to work diligently and avoid placing undue dependence on anybody. It is my belief that perseverance, faith, personal effort, and focus are crucial for personal and communal growth. As the word of the Lord says, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for human master’, Colossians 3;23.
Finally, as Christians, we are called to pray for our leaders, both current and incoming. I urge them first of all that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all, for kings and for all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness, 1 Timothy 1& 2.
I remain committed to lifting up our leaders in prayers, Wisdom for strength, and guidance in their governance for the good of Ghana. And we wish the incoming president goodwill that God may help them to do well. “
