The General Secretary of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi says government’s decision to sponsor Christians’ pilgrimage is a misplaced priority.
Minister Designate for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Kofi Dzamesi appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee hinted that government will institute a Pilgrimage Committee which will facilitate Christian’s travel to the Israel for prayers.
According to him, Christian brothers and sisters will get the opportunity to travel for prayers as Muslims travel to Mecca annually for prayers.
Reacting to the promise by the Minister designate, Apostle Yaw Antwi said it is absolutely unnecessary for the government to consider sponsoring someone to perform his or her religious rite.
He told Adom News that the country faces many infrastructural deficits where such monies could be channeled rather than spending it on religious pilgrimage.
“As a Christian, attending a spiritual pilgrimage must cost you something because it is one’s personal commitment which shouldn’t be sponsored with state funds,” he said.
He however expressed their gratitude to the government for taking such initiative adding that he would rather recommend that government would rather ensure the embassies make the acquisition of visas flexible instead of taking care of flight tickets and hotels amongst others.