The National Peace Council has called for calm, as it tries to water down the steaming feud between the traditional authorities of Nogokpo in the Volta Region and followers of the founder of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare.
The Council in a statement on Tuesday, cautioned both sides against lending credence to provocative comments that could worsen the already volatile situation.
“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,” it said.
The feud follows a video of Archbishop Charles Agyinasare categorising Nogokpo as the headquarters of demons in the Volta Region which went viral on social media, courting criticisms for the Archbishop from certain quarters.
The man of God later explained that he had no intention to cast a slur upon the people of the Nogokpo town and the Volta Region as a whole.
“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 on the people of Nogokpo town and the Volta Region as a whole,” he stressed.
“I have had a cordial relationship with the people of the Volta Region – my wife of 38 years is an Ewe from Keta and two of my biological children bear Ewe names – all the examples I gave were not intended to denigrate any of the towns and their people, but to elucidate the principles of divine protection to congregants,” he said.
But the Chiefs and some people from Nogokpo insist that failure on the part of the man of God to appear before them would compel them to take another step of action.
He has therefore been summoned to appear before the traditional authorities.
However, the Peace Council has informed the general public that the Volta Regional Peace Council has begun the process to engage the parties for amicable redress.
Below is the Council’s statement
Press release on recent issues regarding Nogokpo Traditional Authorities
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. The attention of the Council has also been drawn to statements that have been made by some religious personalities in the country regarding the same issue.
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 the 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.
The Council concludes by respectfully reminding Ghanaians of how far we have come as one nation, living together as one people for many years.
Thank you.
