National Peace Council Calls For Calm Over Nogokpo Controversy
The Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi has called for peace and calm amidst tensions resulting from a controversy between Perez Chapel International and the chiefs and people of Nogokpo in the Volta Region.
The Council says the tensions have the tendency to disrupt peace and religious coexistence in the country.
This comes as the impasse has attracted varying statements from religious personalities across the country.
“The National Peace Council in pursuit of its mandate to facilitate conflict prevention appeals to 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 disclosed the Volta Regional Peace Council has initiated processes to resolve the outstanding issue between the parties.
Meanwhile, affected persons and the media have been urged to be circumspect in their utterances to prevent escalation.
Background
The founder and leader of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare during a summit in May recounted some spiritual attacks he encountered with another pastor at Nogokpo after a crusade at Aflao and described it as “demonic headquarters”.
Following this, the man of God came under harsh criticisms for the reference when that portion of the sermon went viral.
But in a statement, he clarified his intention was not to cast a slur at the town or any member of the region.
“In reference to Nogokpo, I wish to clarify that I never intended to refer to the town but to an incident that happened after a crusade at Aflao. I had absolutely no intention to cast a slur upon the people of the Nogokpo Town and the Volta Region as a whole.”
His clarification, however, failed to put the matter to rest.
On June 2, the Royal Palace of the Dufia of Nogokpo, Torgbui Saba V, gave the pastor a 14-day ultimatum to report and engage in peace talks or face their wrath.
Following this, Perez Chapel International has declared one-week fasting and prayers.
