Ghanaian religious leaders and political influence

In Ghana, religious leaders have become central figures in political and social discourse. Initial calls were made for the Ghanaian parliament to regulate certain religious figures, described as ‘false prophets,’ who are accused of using divine authority to influence voters and manipulate the democratic process. As the situation progressed, religious leaders engaged more directly in political debate. St Sark, General Overseer of Open Arms Ministries, urged President John Dramani Mahama to abandon plans to introduce Chinese and Arabic into the basic school curriculum, suggesting Spanish as a more viable alternative. St Sark also criticized Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah for allegedly threatening to spiritually curse voters supporting the New Patriotic Party (NPP), labeling such threats as baseless and calling Owusu Bempah a ‘political prostitute’ due to shifting prophecies. In response to growing political involvement, Archbishop Gabriel Justice Anokye of the Archdiocese of Kumasi issued a directive prohibiting priests from engaging in partisan political discussions, endorsements, or criticisms in pastoral settings and on social media. The mandate seeks to prevent clergy from making political predictions to maintain the Church as a ‘minister of unity,’ though priests may still address social doctrine and justice. Concurrently, other leaders have shifted toward framing environmental and national issues in moral terms. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Dr. Mensa Otabil have publicly commented on ‘galamsey’ (illegal small-scale mining) and the stalled National Cathedral project. Meanwhile, Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng of Power Chapel Worldwide has defended his personal political associations, stating he is willing to face imprisonment rather than distance himself from former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, asserting that friendship is not a criminal act. Expanding their role as monitors of institutional neutrality, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference recently cautioned Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie regarding perceived political remarks.