The Assemblies of God church, where President John Dramani Mahama fellowships has also rejected the government�s offer to take some of its leaders to Israel on a pilgrimage.
The church said although �It is true that the pilgrimage to Israel can be an enriching spiritual experience for any individual who undertakes it, it is of no special consequence to our eternal salvation.�
A statement issued in Accra and signed by Rev. Dr. John B. Ghartey, the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, said �The church will therefore not endorse any spending of the nation's scarce resources on things of this nature while there are pressing needs.�
The statement explained, �We shall not condone this move by adding our pastors to any such list.�
The government�s decision to fly some 200 religious leaders to Israel at the cost $600,000 has angered civil society organizations and some religious groups who say the decision is a misplaced priority.
President Mahama�s explanation that the cost of the trip is to be borne by a philanthropist � whom he didn�t name � did not do much to douse the flames.
Whilst refraining from condemning the government for its decision, the church said it was, however, �fully aware of the challenges facing the nation, and we advice that the Government considers the plight of the people as a priority.�
The church said it was proud that the President and the First Lady �hold their church membership with our organization� but whilst �we celebrate the fact that one of our own has risen to the highest office of the land� we see this more as a responsibility for us rather than a privilege.�
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