SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT REGULARIZE RELIGIOUS WORSHIP?

Ghana’s most popular religious bodies are Christianity, Islam, and African religious studies. According to recent statistics, Christians account for approximately 71.3% of the population. This refutes the claim that the country is a recognized secularism state.

Meanwhile, the Christian religious group is frequently in the news for contentious reasons. Article 21(1((c) of the 1992 Constitution states: “21. (1) All persons shall have the right to, (c) freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice;” By virtue of this clause, it has become very difficult to have a clear cut on how to regularize such practices, which tarnishes the religion’s reputation in some way.

Today, many Rwandans have lost faith in the powerful institution and have gravitated towards Pentecostalism and Islam, resulting in the closure of over 8,000 churches across the country. According to those familiar with the discussions, the president in charge of government activity, Paul Kagame, closed down most churches and mosques, stating clearly that the new legislation would require pastors to have a theology degree before starting their own churches in order to teach correct doctrine.The goal is to regulate Pentecostal churches, which frequently spring up under leaders who claim to have been called to preach.

Back in Ghana, it appears that most of these politicians have their fingers in the mouths of these religious leaders, which explains the difficulty in taking such a stance. According to JUSTICE S K DATE-BAH, RETIRED JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF GHANA, the constitutional review committee recommends that Article 21(4) (c) be amended to include the words “public order” and “public morality” in the list of criteria that may lead to restrictions in the exercise of rights. Furthermore, the Commission recommends that the relevant regulatory authorities collaborate with the various religious associations to reduce, if not eliminate, the numerous anti-religious practices that some religious groups and their officers engage in, which have been the subject of numerous submissions to the Commission.

How long and how feasible will this be, or should we return to our regular way of life?

Etornam Axandrah, 18plus4NDC