Introduction

I have taken note of the statement made by the chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Daniel McKorley, on Oyerepa TV, claiming that churches are slowing down the growth of Ghanaians. Subsequently, on Friday, 4th April 2025, Joy FM’s morning show, hosted by Kojo Yankson, discussed this topic with a pastor and a lecturer from one of the charismatic churches.

During the show, listeners were invited to express their views on the matter. Some listeners, who shared their thoughts via WhatsApp, downplayed the role of the church, as well as the spirituality and religiosity of Christians. Some of these assertions were unfair to the church, and it is on this basis that I write this response:

The Role of the Church

The church in Ghana has played a significant role in the nation's development before, during, and after independence. We can count the numerous educational institutions and healthcare facilities, and many prestigious individuals have benefited from the church’s contributions to education, moral values, and leadership development. It is disheartening to see that many individuals who have achieved success through the influence and contributions of the church now look down upon it and question its relevance.

Let me quote the words of a famous African theologian: “The African is notoriously and incurably religious.” This means that the spirituality we practice is inseparable from the African identity.

Exercising the Christian Faith and Productivity

Article 21 (1)(e) of the 1992 Constitution grants individuals the freedom of worship and the right to manifest their form of worship. In exercising this constitutional right, one must ensure that it does not affect others. Thus, the right to express our faith must not affect our employers. However, we must not ignore the realities and challenges of life.

The Bible teaches that the main reason we go to church is to worship God. Yet, the reality today is that many people attend church seeking solutions to their personal problems. These realities have led some individuals to participate, among others, in morning, afternoon, and evening prayer sessions. How can an employee be productive when he or she is:

1. Caring for a parent who is battling an unknown illness. 2. Looking after a child suffering from severe pain. 3. Dealing with spousal or matrimonial problems 4. Working but feeling unfulfilled in life.

These are some of the real challenges of life that cause people to abandon their work in search of solutions. It is important to remember that those we employ also have family responsibilities, and as they work, they strive to make life meaningful for their dependents. That is not to say that we must prioritize these issues at the expense of our employers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that working virtually can be just as effective and efficient as working in person. People can work for their employers and still fulfil their family responsibilities without any issues.

Yet, many individuals who work “in person” remain unproductive. Many go to their offices to read newspapers, gossip, sell goods, or engage in other unethical behaviours. These, for me, are the real issues that need to be discussed, rather than focusing solely on the church.

Many employers also take time off during the day to attend church services, seeking divine protection and guidance for their businesses. It is crucial to recognize that both employees and employers seek spiritual fulfilment. The key issue, however, is how we manage our responsibilities and make meaningful contributions in our respective roles, whether at work or in our personal lives.

A true Muslim prays two or three times during business hours. Are we saying that this practice affects productivity? Why target Christians and the Christian Church? Many successful business people have men of God who intercede for them 24 hours a day to protect their businesses and help them become more successful, yet they criticize the church.

The Akans have a saying “Entuwada da” (If you haven’t experienced it, sleep). If you have never been hit by life’s storms, you may not understand why people will leave everything they have, including their work, to seek help or solutions to their predicaments. When it comes, the mind or the will cannot control what you do, what you say or where you are. There are so many things that people sacrifice including their sleep, work and their very lives, to have solutions to the challenges of life they face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the church plays an important role in national development. The exercise of the Christian faith should not be downplayed and viewed as a hindrance to productivity. We must recognise that it is also a means of coping with the real challenges of life. Thus, instead of criticizing the church, we should rather have a balanced approach that respects the Christian faith and productivity. After all, we need happy and satisfied employees to make growth possible.