Calls for the release of convicted businessman Ato Essien — backed by some clergymen including Prophet Oduro — have stirred controversy, prompting questions about the blurred lines between Ghana’s pulpit and its politics.
Essien, who was found guilty of embezzling over $90 million in state funds, has paid back $30 million and is currently serving time.
Yet Prophet Oduro recently suggested that his intelligence warrants leniency — a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from both the public and academia.
One of the most vocal opponents is Dr. Samuel Afriyie, a senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University. He dismissed such arguments as dangerous and misleading.
“If Ato Essien is considered intelligent enough for release, does that mean the rest of the inmates are fools?” he asked pointedly on Movement TV.
Dr. Afriyie believes these religious figures are veering into political territory, especially those aligned with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“They are not true men of God,” he asserted. “They are political operatives using the pulpit to push party interests.”
He further argued that this trend is common among one-man churches, in contrast to orthodox denominations that generally avoid political entanglements.
“They’re now pastors-turned-politicians,” he said, urging the public to stop viewing them as spiritual leaders.
“If they want to play politics, they should do so as politicians—not from behind the altar,” Dr. Afriyie added.
