Features
Our celebrities must behave responsibly
Celebrity is a condition of fame and broad public recognition of an individual or a group as a result of the attention given to them by the mass media. This group of people is highly recognised and revered depending on their individual skills by the larger society. It can be in the field of arts and culture, music, entertainment, pastoral, sports, boxing, wrestling, football, etc, one can become famous and earn the tag of a celebrity.
POPULAR CELEBRITIES IN THE WORLD
All over the world, there are people who have excelled and continue to be popular in various fields of endeavours with distinguished qualities in their countries and international circles and have become celebrities. Some of the most popular celebrities with large followings on social media include Billie Eilsh, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga among others. These celebrities of the highest repute, have exemplified and proved themselves in the world of music, entertainment, movies, songwriting, book publishing, mobile games, DVDs and are worth millions of dollars.
GHANAIAN CELEBRITIES
Over here in Ghana, when we talk of celebrities, names that come out sharply which continue to trend on social media include, Jackie Appiah, Yvonne Nelson, Juliet Ibrahim, Nadia Buari, John Dumelo, Yvonne Okoro, Emelia Brobbey, Fela Makafui, Joselyn Dumas, Martha Ankoma, all actors and actresses, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Mzvee, Becca, Sarkodie, Akuapem Poloo and many other musicians with millions of Instagram followers. These are celebrities who are highly recognised, respected and acknowledged in the Ghanaian setting due to their high professional background.
Apart from these celebrated actors, actresses and musicians of high repute, there are also some pastors and evangelists who by nature of their work and the so-called miracles they continue to perform, have attracted a lot of followers both home and abroad thereby earning them the title celebrities.
Religious leaders such as Pastor Mensa Otabil, Bishop Agyin Asare, Apostle-General Sam Kuranchie Ankrah, Reverend Heward Mills, Bishop Duncan-Williams, Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah, Prophet Obinim, Rev Emmanuel Badu Kobi, Apostle Kwabena Owusu Agyei, Prophet Eric Amponsah aka Computer man, Prophet Nicholas Osei, aka Kumchacha, Rev Obofour, Rev. Robert Ampiah-Kwofi, Apostle Abraham Lamptey, among others, may fall into that category.
SUPPORT TO SOCIETY BY SOME CELEBRITIES
The nature of their work has indeed, generated and continue to fetch them enough funds in terms of incomes and some have seen the need to donate part of their earnings to charity and philanthropic work within the society.
Some of them continue to provide reliefs to the needy while others are involved in community initiated projects and programmes, such as school blocks, clinics, payment of school fees for the needy and provision of school uniforms and furniture to the deprived communities. Indeed, such humanitarian gestures and support are highly commendable to promote orderly developments and to establish acquaintances with the citizens.
These celebrities deserve a lot of praise for their dedicated service to their motherland and the people in general. However, there are a few whose actions and inactions leave much to be desired and tend to soil the image of the profession they have chosen for themselves.
Some of them are arrogant, ‘big in their shoes’ and also difficult to manage. They feel that they have all what it takes and the necessary resources at their disposal and, therefore, can misbehave unilaterally. Some of them even smoke weed or Indian hemp and drink hard liquor excessively.
CELEBRITIES WHOSE NEGATIVE ACTIONS ARE UNDERMINING PROGRESS
It is difficult to forget some of these celebrities who gave us something to talk about with their bad behaviours and negative practices in public display. Most of these celebrities cracked our ribs and made us so annoyed to the extent that most Ghanaians demanded that they be arrested and put before the law courts at some point.
If our memories serve us right, in 2016, a worst-behaved Ghanaian celebrity who tagged himself a prophet was spotted in a video lying on top of one of his female congregants who had sought assistance for healing.
That notorious pastor or prophet, claimed that he was channeling the power of God to heal the woman by lying on top of her. That same pastor was also seen on live television administering lashes of the cane on two teenagers for allegedly fornicating. That reprehensible behaviour of that pastor generated an uproar among Ghanaians with some asking the government to invite the police to step in and deal with the unacceptable conduct of the pastor.
LET’S BEWARE OF FAKE PASTORS AND PROPHETS
It is a fact that some of our people, especially women remain gullible and allow some of these so-called pastors and prophets to play on their ignorance and use them for all kinds of negative and diabolical agendas and get away with them.
These occult pastors and prophets use their devilish inclinations to visit wicked and obnoxious practices on unsuspecting female congregants who are desperately looking for the fruit of the womb.
They will lie to them by telling them that the holy spirit has requested that they should have sexual intercourse with them to open their wombs for pregnancy. Some of them go to the extent of predicting the death of fellow humans as if they represent God the Creator of heaven and earth. That is indeed, a fallacy and we need to guard against those palpable lies from these so-called men of God.
Another popular boxer, who goes by the name Bukom Banku, in 2016, after he had bleached his skin amid public criticisms, confronted his accusers with a rather disgusting video showing his complete nakedness dancing on the street of Accra with people including peace officers looking on unconcerned.
THE CASE OF SHATTA WALE AND ACCOMPLICES
Just recently, one of the popular Dancehall artistes, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, was arrested after faking a gunshot attack on him, thus causing fear and panic. Shatta and three of his accomplices have since been arraigned at an Accra Circuit Court. His accomplices, Kojo Owusu Koranteng, Idris Yusif, and Eric Venator were also charged with abetment of crime. Shatta Wale pleaded not guilty to the charge of the publication of false news and causing fear and panic.
Another prophet known as Bishop Stephen Kwesi Appiah (Jesus Ahuofe) of the New Life Kingdom Chapel was also put before court following his prophecy that Shatta Wale would be shot on October 18, 2021. He was subsequently charged for causing fear and panic.
Since these cases are pending before a competent law court, I do not intend to make any further discussions on the case.
OUR CELEBRITIES MUST LEAD BY EXAMPLE
All that I can say is that some of our cherished celebrities are trying to misbehave thereby causing disaffection to themselves and their large followers and this is not healthy at all. These celebrities have earned names for themselves and must learn to protect and guard jealously their high reputations. They must learn to lead by example so that their numerous followers will continue to respect and adore them.
This country is guided by a set of laws and those laws are binding on all the citizens irrespective of your status in the society. Going contrary to these laws as enshrined in the statute books, means you are disobeying the rules and, therefore, the sanctions will be applied.
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By Charles Neequaye
Features
The Prophet part 2
“I can see in the spirit, that some of you have been trading for years without seeing any meaningful profits, some young women have been disappointed by men who have either abandoned them and left for foreign lands and forgotten about them, or stopped sending money for the upkeep of their wives and children.
I can see young men who are desperate for visas to travel abroad but have either been duped by visa contractors or refused at the embassies. From tomorrow, I assure you, the visas will be given.
Young women, I have news for you. You will receive telephone calls, and you will hear very good news. Handsome young men with money in their pockets will come and marry you, and take care of you. Traders, you will get big business and big profits from today. From today, you will see that I am a true prophet who has come to deliver you.”
Shouts of “Amen,” “thank you Prophet” and “I receive it” greeted his sermon. After a final prayer, he asked the congregation to come early the following day, and bring others, because there would be many testimonies.
There would also be “special anointing” for great miracles. Although he did not ask for an offering, most of the people came and dropped notes, and coins at the “pulpit.” When they left, Antobam counted the money.
“GH¢900!” he almost shouted, ‘and I did not even ask for an offering. This is fantabulous!’ Going to the Nana Kofi Broni shrine, he told himself, was a very wise move.
He started making plans……He had to choose a few assistants who would carry out his orders……. He had to hire some chairs as soon as possible……He had to find a suitable piece of land and, if possible, build his own church……. He had to start looking for a nice car, befitting the status of a popular preacher …… And, most importantly, he had to select two, three or four nice, young women to take care of his needs, apart from the servants who would cook, wash, iron and do other errands for him.
Abruptly, he told himself, this hungry, scruffy Kukurantumi boy was being transformed into a man of power and money, with some of the most beautiful women in town at his beck and call. Wow!
After a shower and supper, he shut the door to the very small room that served as his bedroom and dropped on the bed. Almost immediately, the shrill sounds, like whispers, began.
This time he did not express any fears. He realised to his great surprise that even though the sounds were not in the form of any language, he could understand them.
Tomorrow there will be testimonies……they will give money……. some rich people are being prepared …….they will bring big money ………. we will give them what they want, and they will bring money ……. big money …….big, big money……the women will also come, a number of them. ‘
He went to sleep smiling and whispering to himself, ‘big, big money, and women!’
He woke up at 5 and took a shower. After a breakfast of tea and several slices of bread he set off. On reaching the venue he saw to his great surprise that the place was full.
Very full, and quite a number of people rushed to embrace him and give him the wonderful news. The excited people narrated the testimonies about big sales, telephone calls from relatives directing them to go to Western Union, and impotent husbands who had miraculously rediscovered their magic powers.
He was truly glad that Nana Kofi Broni’s magic had already started working, but most of his attention was focused on the ladies in the congregation. He noticed to his great delight that some of them were really nice. I must start making my selection, he told himself. Today!
“Give a mighty clap offering to the great, mighty one for his wonders among us!” he started, and the response was very big.
“I said yesterday that you were going to see signs and wonders, and I am very happy that my word has been fulfilled. Even though we have taken allowed one hour for testimonies, many more of you would like to testify.
Tomorrow, I promise you that there will be ample time. I will only preach a short sermon. The rest of the time will be taken up by consultations, after which I will give directions on what to do to ensure that you defeat your enemies, secure your marriage and, most importantly, continue increasing your profits in your business.” His sermon was interspersed with ecstatic shouts of “Amen,” “it is true,” “God bless you” and “I receive it.”
His final word was emphatic; “Big miracles are coming your way. Keep attending church, and don’t forget to give thanks to God.”
By Ekow de Heer
Features
Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship launches project to transform young lives
The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Ghana has launched the Senior High Schools and Colleges Project (SCP) aimed at empowering and transforming the lives of young people.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Mike Ocquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament, emphasised the need to catch them young and train them as the current times were challenging.
He lauded the project, calling on all to support it, saying “In fact, it’s very important to catch them young, train them, lead them, guide them, and mentor them because the times are indeed rough,” Prof. Ocquaye said.
Mr Ekow Egyir Dadson, the Director, Schools and Colleges Directorate, stated that since its inception in 2018, the SCP had reached over 70 educational institutions with countless testimonies of transformation.
“We began with the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) Legon, and now in 2024, we have visited 74 schools and impacted the lives of over 100,000 students, some of whom were personally mentored and now have graduated from the universities.”
He explained that the SCP, a vision by FGBMFI Ghana, was a bold outreach programme designed to call young people to Christ, train and equip them for the future.
He cited testimony-sharing, mentorship, career guidance, entrepreneurship and counseling as some of the unique approaches to be used in reaching out to the targeted students.
Mr Emmanuel Baba Mahama, the National President of the FGBMFI Ghana, launched the SCP Manual, which would help the FGBMFI Zonal Family Chapters across Ghana in order to adopt schools and colleges within their catchment areas.
The Schools and Colleges project is making a great impact; we have had first-hand testimonies from school heads, teachers, and students (mentees) about the SCP. This project has come to stay, Mr Baba Mahama assured.
He, therefore, called for more volunteers and partners to help the SCP shape the next generation of leaders and citizens.
Findings by the FGBMFI revealed that Ghana’s senior high schools, colleges, and university students face growing challenges like addictions, indiscipline, poor academic performance, pornography, homosexuality, broken homes, and a lack of godly guidance.
That had been a concern to many parents and society, “but the FGBMFI believes there is hope to rescue and restore these young students,” Mr Mahama said. –GNA
