Senior Pastor at Holy Hill Chapel branch of the Assemblies of God Church in Ghana, Rev Dr Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, has clarified his ‘we voted for you to bring the dollar down and not to catch people’ comment to President-Elect John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking to his congregation on December 25, 2024, Rev Kwadwo Bempah explained that his comments were not against President-Elect John Dramani Mahama’s Operation-Recover-All-Loot (ORAL) anti-corruption policy, as being misconstrued by a faction of the public.

He said that he never meant to say that people who have stolen from the country should not be dealt with, as the ORAL seeks to do.

He added that his comments did not also mean that Mahama should solve the country’s exchange rate challenges immediately immediately after assuming office since this challenge requires a lot of time and effort to fix.

“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 the 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 sevenfold; he must give all the wealth of his house, Proverbs 6:31,” he said.

The pastor added, “3. Encouraging hard work: That's my last point of clarification. 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 masters, Colossians 3:23.”

He went on to encourage Ghanaians to pray for the leaders of the country so God would help them do well.

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

The pastor’s initial comments:

Rev Dr Kwadwo Boateng Bempah called on the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to focus on building the country rather than chasing corrupt officials.

According to him, if the new administration focuses on catching people for corrupt deeds, it won’t solve the major problem of the populace, which is hunger.

He called on the leadership led by President-Elect John Mahama to focus on the economy and how to reduce the dollar rate to the Ghanaian cedi to relieve the citizens' burdens.

Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, December 22, 2024, he stated, "We voted them out because they wanted to make people poor. If the next government also tries it… I am not a politician or a member of any party. But anybody whose leadership does not end up with the well-being of the people will wake up and laugh at the wrong side of their mouth."

He continued, "I have seen the new people also making 'Let's catch people' efforts. My friend, take your time. We didn’t vote for you to be catching people.

"We want the economy well. That is why you said you want to come to power. Catching somebody will not bring money into my pocket, so stay focused. Catching people is not our business. Bring the dollar down; you said you will do it; do it now."

His comments were made after President-Elect John Dramani Mahama announced a preparatory team, chaired by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to set the pace for the implementation of his initiative, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), aimed at retrieving state funds looted under the outgoing Akufo-Addo government.

Watch the pastor's clarification in the video below:

“I did not speak against holding wrongdoers accountable or the ORAL Committee team set by the Government ” - Dr. Kwadwo Bempah pic.twitter.com/kpwBPrRVdu

— 𝕏 Ghana 🇬🇭 (@xghana_) December 25, 2024