THEME: DRUMMING BAN AND CHURCH ATTACKS THREATEN GHANA’S PEACE AND GOD’S FAVOR 

We greet the Chiefs, Elders and Leaders of the Ga Traditional Council and the Ga Dangme Society in the name of God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, Father of all spirits, the God of Ghana and Israel and Hope of Africa and all mankind. 

We have had cause and word as servants of God to address the annual visitation of confusion, bloodletting and mayhem, political, religious, ethnic and cultural tension that have attended the annual declaration of Ban on Drumming in the Accra Metropolitan Area by the Ga Traditional Council. 

The purpose of this open letter is to humbly plead with the Ga Traditional Council and the Ga Dangme Society led by Mr. K.B. Asante to show honor, respect and fear of God Almighty, the Creator, Benefactor, Provider and Sustainer of Life, the God, Spirit and Power of the church of God/Christ in the land. We caution against the attacks on the Church of God in Worship and the Celebration of God and the nation’s trust and hope in the Almighty. The Church at service and in mission activities in the land is God in action with men to rain His Peace, Blessings, Mercy, and His Full Providence on the Government, Nation and People of the country.  The failings and unfaithfulness of men do not negate nor change this spiritual truth and reality. 

In this respect, it is a very sad development indeed for Ghana to reject and attempt at the same time to dislodge the hand of God on the nation and people.  For this is what the attacks on the church in worship and Christian activity is tantamount to.  The attack on the Church is attack on God. But no spirit nor power, no man, no people can fight God and win.  And woe betides the nation and peoples that God gives them up. With this in view, may we with all the strength we have plead with the Ga Traditional Council and the Ga-Dangme society to save peaceful and blessed Ghana the woes that come to the peoples and nations that reject and defy God, that take up arms against the prophets and priests, nations and peoples of God.  

There is no escape from Divine Wrath and Judgement in such cases.  It may take years, but Divine judgement surely comes with all its severity upon generations.  We cannot feint ignorance of this. 

In this regard, perhaps, it might be worthwhile reminding all that Accra and Ghana have not suffered this unfortunate development until very recently, the past three or so years. 

Until this development, the peace, quiet, joy and social harmony in Accra has been a remarkable feature of Ghana’s story as a Land of Peaceful, Hospitable and Happy People.  Accra has become “The Home” of many a people.  Personally, though a Krobo, I have lived in Accra since May 1955.  

The current generation of Leaders, Elders and Youth of the Ga People cannot and should not disabuse the wisdom, Godly knowledge, counsel, respect and fear of God on the part of their fathers and ancestors who have embraced Christ, the Christian faith and the church and gave generously land and all forms of assistance to the church in Ga land. May it not be said that this is a generation of Ga Chiefs and Elders who do not know God. 

We humbly submit that disputes with land, ethnic and cultural differences cannot and should not be fought with guns, sticks, matchets and knives in the Temple of God.  The Temple of God is a place of Peace, Worship, Divine oblation and Blessedness.  God in His Holy Temple in the midst of the land is Life, Blessing and Joy to any people.   On the other hand, debates over tradition and culture should not be settled with clenched fists, guns, sticks and stones, in short violence.  We have more in common than the mixed blessings in cultural diversity. 

As a Minister who has traveled round the country with the Gospel for over 25 years, I can say with confidence that the warm welcome and reception of Chiefs and Elders to the Gospel and church mission in the Knowledge and Fear of God is a major redeeming factor and Hope for the Mercy of God upon the land.  This compares very strikingly even against the confusion, non-co-operation, disunity, disrespect and dishonor of God in the Church.  This is one of the reasons why God Loves Ghana so. The Ga Traditional Council and Ga-Dangme Society cannot take advantage of the confusion in the Church to attempt to stamp out and dislodge God from His Holy Temple and disrupt the goodness and mercy of God upon the land.  They cannot turn the minds of the other tribes and people against God and His church.  Nor can they lead the way for national crusade against God and His Church.  

Finally, may we caution against the open confrontation with and temptation of the government and administration of the land that is becoming a feature of the Ban on Drumming in Accra.  

In summation, may we state that the Ga Traditional Council and the Ga-Dangme Society should not tempt the will, authority and power of God and that of the Governments of Ghana with the Ban on Drumming.  The peace, quiet and blessedness in orderly governance and management of the affairs of the country in the knowledge, fear and honor of God and love of country and people is a blessed security of life, property, prosperity and progress and lasting joy for the nation.  Let no one disturb this, whatever the grievance, fear or challenges. 

GOD BLESS GHANA. 

April 17, 2002