The head pastor of Open Arms Ministry, Kumasi, has been arrested by the
police for defying the ban on church service.
A police team was dispatched to the premises of
the church, Tuesday morning, after they received complaints of an ongoing
activity, in spite of the ban which forms part of drastic measures taken by
government to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The pastor, Apostle Kofi Nkansah, was said to
have organised a prayer meeting with some members of his congregation, in the
morning of Tuesday thus flouting the directive of the President on public
gathering.
The congregants, said to be in hundreds during
the church service at North Suntreso in Kumasi, tried to prevent the police from
effecting arrest, but the police managed to pick up the pastor of the church,
popularly called Saint Sark.
While some of the church members hooted at
the police, others resorted to clapping as the police escorted the pastor into
their van.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Godwin
Ahyiano, Head of Ashanti Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, confirmed the
arrest when contacted.
As at the time of filing the report the police were yet to come out with a statement on the matter as to the charge to be preferred against the pastor.
Ghana is currently faced with seven confirmed cases of the widespread virus, with more than 350 people having had contact with the affected persons being observed.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on March 15, 2020, issued a directive that all outdoor events, including funerals, church activities and naming ceremonies, be suspended.
Earlier, Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah cautioned the general public to observe the directives given by government – failure to do so would leave officials with no option than to involve security agencies.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI