Prophet Kwame Donkor, leader of the Grace Assemblies of God Church, Kwadaso in Suhum has warned that the church may be forced to lay off workers since for some time now no coming is coming in to pay them.
Speaking in a special TV3 report as gathered by TheBBCghana.Com, Prophet Donkor said the church got a “paltry” GHC500 in tithes and donations from congregants since the imposition of ban on all social gatherings by President Akufo-Addo.
“From March up till now, when we look at our books, offering and tithes do not add up to GHC500. I’m afraid if this persists, we may have to lay off workers. The money we have now is what we used to take care of caretakers, light, and other expenditures,” he wailed.
Other Church leaders who spoke in the report also had their complaints:
“This definitely has a dire effect on the church. Hitherto, we meet as an ecclesial community with that also we had sought of revenue stream so far as the church is concerned. here is the case we are not able to converge as such. And so definitely it has its own financial consequences on the church. Whatever reserves we have, whatever we have in our coffers is geared towards the vulnerable in society especially this time when people are looking for something to eat, drink, and [a place] to lay,” one said.
“How many churches can afford for example paying GHC3000 of one hour broadcast or 8-minute broadcast? Only few churches can afford that. And for those that can afford that, it is putting financial stress on them. Because the church is not only about broadcasting only on Facebook or on traditional media. The church has other responsibilities.” The other added.
Ghana is currently faced with over 2,700 confirmed cases of the widespread coronavirus.
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. Schools have also been asked to close down.
Source: TheBBCghana.Com
