Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has dismissed claims that the clergy were silent during the tenure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Speaking in an interview with Oyerapa TV during President John Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, 2025, Apostle Nyamekye stated that several clergy members actively criticized and proposed changes to issues they found problematic under the Akufo-Addo-led administration.
He revealed that despite their direct engagements with the government, many of their suggestions were ignored, contributing to the administration’s eventual challenges.
One such issue was the controversial E-Levy tax, which, he explained, was widely opposed by the clergy due to concerns about its impact on Ghanaians.
“We changed our approach by avoiding public criticism on radio or in sermons. Instead, we communicated directly with government leaders.
Regarding the E-Levy and other matters, we made our stance clear.
For instance, we advised against the E-Levy, predicting it would lead to evasion, but our advice was ignored,” Apostle Nyamekye remarked.
He emphasized the clergy’s respect for leadership, stressing that they believed private discussions were a more effective way to influence policy.
“We thought sitting on the radio or speaking against leaders wasn’t respectful.
We went directly to them, but they didn’t heed our advice, and now we are witnessing the outcome,” he added.
The E-Levy debate became a major flashpoint during the Akufo-Addo administration. The proposed 1.75% tax on electronic transactions, introduced to broaden tax revenues, was met with significant resistance, especially from opposition legislators who argued it would disproportionately affect lower-income citizens.
The controversy escalated in December 2021 when a brawl broke out in Parliament over the bill.
Lawmakers from both sides engaged in physical confrontations, disrupting proceedings and forcing an adjournment.
The absence of Speaker Alban Bagbin and the involvement of the Deputy Speaker in voting on the motion added to the tensions.
The E-Levy ultimately fueled public discontent, exemplified by the #FixTheCountry protests, where thousands of Ghanaians demanded better governance and economic reforms.
Critics cited high taxes, rising fuel costs, and inflation as key grievances.
Despite its introduction, the E-Levy remained deeply unpopular, with analysts linking its implementation to the political and economic challenges faced by the Akufo-Addo administration in its final years.
President Akufo Addo didn’t listen to some of the advise we gave him- Apostle Eric Nyamekye – Chairman, Church of Pentecost#OYEREPA pic.twitter.com/azaDwVYeAe
— Oyerepa TV/FM (@oyerepaofficial) January 7, 2025
