I did not speak against holding wrongdoers accountable or ORAL - Rev. Kwadwo Bempah

Reverend Kwadwo Bempah, the Head Pastor of the Holy Hill Chapel, Assemblies of God Church, has addressed widespread reports surrounding his comments on the president-elect’s ORAL (Operation Recover All Loot) team during his Sunday sermon on December 22, 2024. 

In a new statement, Rev. Bempah clarified his remarks, stressing his support for accountability and good governance.  

The ORAL initiative by President-elect John Mahama aims to combat corruption and state capture as part of the incoming administration’s efforts to promote accountability. Following the 2024 elections, and its work has drawn public attention. 

In his initial sermon, the pastor urged the incoming government to focus on economic stabilisation, stating, “We voted for you to bring the dollar down, not to chase people.”  

I did not speak against holding wrongdoers accountable or ORAL - Rev. Kwadwo Bempah https://t.co/xiLeZYa0yi pic.twitter.com/ejBOXVdPTy

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Clarifications on governance and accountability  

Responding to the public discourse yesterday, Rev. Bempah clarified his position, stressing the need for justice and the recovery of misappropriated resources.  

“Accountability for wrongdoing: At no point did I imply that individuals who have committed any form of wrongdoing should avoid accountability. I firmly believe that those who have misappropriated resources must face justice and what rightfully belongs to the nation should be recovered for the benefit of all. Justice must prevail to restore what is rightfully ours,” he said.  

Referencing Proverbs 6:30/31, he added, “Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger, yet if caught, he must pay seven-folds, he must give all the wealth of his house.”  

Economic expectations and patience  

Rev. Bempah addressed his comments on the exchange rate between the dollar and the cedi, clarifying that his remarks were not meant to suggest immediate solutions from the incoming government.  

“My remarks were not intended to suggest that the incoming government could immediately address the exchange rate between the dollar and the cedi before officially assuming office, as these challenges require time and systematic intervention,” he said, quoting Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  

Encouraging hard work
  
In his statement, the pastor also highlighted the importance of self-reliance and diligence, urging individuals to work hard rather than depending on others.  

“My primary goal was to encourage members of the church to work diligently and avoid placing undue dependence on anybody. It is my belief that perseverance, faith, personal effort, and focus are crucial for personal and communal growth,” he said, citing Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for human masters.”  

Rev. Bempah concluded his clarification by calling for prayers and support for both current and incoming leaders.  

“As Christians, we are called to pray for our leaders, both current and incoming. I urge them first of all that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all, for kings and for all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness, 1 Timothy 1:2,” he stated.  

He further extended goodwill to the incoming president, saying, “I remain committed to lifting up our leaders in prayers, wisdom for strength, and guidance in their governance for the good of Ghana. And we wish the incoming president goodwill that God may help them to do well.”

Read his full transcribed statement below:

"I have a little clarification I want to make out of last Sunday's message titled 'I did not speak against holding wrongdoers accountable or the ORAL committee set by the government'.. I've taken note of  a recorded excerpt from my message I preached last Sunday, December 22 that is currently circulating on social media and I wish to clarify he following points.

1.. Comments on the incoming government and the exchange rate: My remarks were not intended to suggest that the incoming government could immediately address the exchange rate between the dollar and the cedi before officially assuming office, as these challenges require time and systematic intervention. Thus it will be premature to expect them to resolve such challenges at this stage. 'There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens' Ecclesiastes 3:1.

2. Accountability for wrongdoing: At no point did I imply that individuals who have committed any form of wrongdoing should avoid accountability. I firmly believe that those who have misappropriated resources must face justice and what rightfully belongs to the nation should be recovered for the benefit of all. Justice must prevail to restore what is rightfully ours. 'Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger, yet if caught, he must pay seven-folds, he must give all the wealth of his house' Proverbs 6:30/31.

3. Encouraging hard work: My primary goal was to encourage members of the church to work diligently and avoid placing undue dependence on anybody. It is my belief that perseverance, faith, personal effort, and focus are crucial for personal and communal growth. As the word of the Lord says, 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for human master', Colossians 3;23.

Finally, as Christians, we are called to pray for our leaders, both current and incoming. I urge them first of all that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all, for kings and for all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness, 1 Timothy 1& 2.

I remain committed to lifting up our leaders in prayers, Wisdom for strength, and guidance in their governance for the good of Ghana. And we wish the incoming president goodwill that God may help them to do well. "

Watch his comments below;