The National Peace Council has intervened to mediate a peaceful settlement between the Nogokpo Traditional Authorities and Perez Chapel International’s founder, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare.
The intervention follows a rising tension between the Nogokpo community and Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, sparked by the Archbishop’s remarks during a sermon where he called Nogokpo the “demonic headquarters” of the Volta Region.
The Archbishop’s comments provoked backlash from the natives of Nogokpo and the broader Volta Region.
Archbishop Agyinasare apologized for his comments, but that did not deter the Nogokpo Traditional Council from giving him a two-week ultimatum to appear before them.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Chairman of the Peace Council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, said “The National Peace Council has observed with concern the current stalemate between Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, the founder of Perez Chapel International and Nogokpo Traditional Authorities.”
It added, “Realizing that the stalemate if not quickly addressed may have implications on peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in the country, the National Peace Council, in pursuit of its mandate to facilitate conflict prevention, appeals to the Nogokpo Traditional Authorities and Perez Chapel International to remain calm and not give in to provocations as efforts are being undertaken to address the situation.”
“The Council urges all those who have been affected in any way by the impasse to exercise restraint and caution in their comments and statements on the matter. The Council also appeals to the media and all those who make statements on the matter to exercise maximum restraint in their narratives to protect the peace, stability, and integrity of our beloved country.
“We want to inform the public that the Volta Regional Peace Council has initiated the process to engage the parties for amicable redress.”
