The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Kwadwo Nimfour Opoku Onyinah, has described as a misplaced priority, government’s decision to sponsor Christian pilgrims.

Before his confirmation as Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Kofi Dzamesi told parliament’s Appointments Committee that the Akufo-Addo government will institute a Pilgrimage Committee which will facilitate Christian’s travel to Israel and the Vatican for prayers just as the state coordinates the annual hajj pilgrimage of Muslims.

In Dr Onyinah’s view, however, the funds for such sponsorship should be channeled into something profitable for the country.

“I don’t think government should sponsor people to travel. We’ve got so many things to do, the nation has so many challenges. The money of the nation should be used to develop the nation.

“If someone wants to travel for religious purpose, the person should be asked to pay his own expenses, but if the government opens the opportunity for us and gives us the formal way to make things for people, I cherish that and I thank the government for that. But I don’t support the idea that government should pay, sponsor those going out for religious purposes. I don’t buy that idea. The money should be used to develop the country.” Dr Opkoku Onyinah told Accra-based Starr FM in an interview at the 8th Congregation of Pentecost University College.