Heward-Mills churches face shutdown …Kumasi Youth reject his written apology

Angry youth groups in the Ashanti Region have warned that all branches of the Lighthouse Chapel International (LCI) there would be shutdown within 48 hours if founder of the church, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills does not appear in person at the Manhyia Palace to apologize for and retract insulting statements he spoke against Otunfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

Bishop Dag, has himself admitted that the said comments from his mouth were disrespectful and insulting and he has accordingly issued a public statement to apologize to the Asantehene.

However the youth groups say they feel even more disrespected by the mode of the apology and the tone and context it was write; therefore they insist Bishop Dag appears in person before their King or face their wrath.

The exact statements Bishop Dag made against the Asantehene are not fit for  reproduction in print and therefore makes it unethical for the New Publisher to republish them even though it would have being a useful background to the story.

“We call on Dag Heward-Mills to seek wise counsel within 48 hours, otherwise none of his churches would be permitted to operate within Asanteman enclave afterwards”, Kwabena Frimpong the Chief Scribe of Kumasi Youth Association (KUYA), told the media, amid wild shouts by his group members on Monday.

He was addressing a joint press conference organized by the various Asante groups such as Kumasi Youth Association KUYA, Asante Youth Association (AYA), Asante Zongo Youth Association (AZOYU), Asante Students Union (ASU) and Mponponsuo in the United States of America (USA).

Addressing journalists at the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs premises in Kumasi in Monday, Kwabena Frimpong said Bishop Dag has bitten more than he can chew; reminding the man of God that any attack on the Asantehene is an attack on the entire Asanteman.

According to the angry Asanti youth gorups, Ghanaians do not pay taxes to the Asantehene therefore Bishop Dag’s verbal attack against Otumfuo over lack of development in Asanteman was a clear indication that the man of God has an ‘evil’ agenda against Otumfuo and Asanteman in general.

“The people of Ghana pay their taxes to the Government and not Otumfuo”, he emphasised and asked Bishop Dag that “Since when did our traditional authorities take over the responsibilities of the central government?”

He said the under-fire bishop had goofed badly and they would make him pay for it.

Kwabena Frimpong said available records show that the Asantehene has delivered excellently in the areas of education, health, environment, clean water, peaceful resolution and other areas, adding that Ghanaians should be grateful to Otumfuo for the peace that his being enjoyed in the state currently.

According to the KUYA Chief Scribe, the Asantehene usually intervene when tension is high in the country especially during election seasons to help bring peace and unity, adding that the peaceful resolution of the Dagbon Chieftaincy crisis, which posed a threat to the country then, was an example.

Kwabena Frimpong said the various massive projects in Kumasi like the Kejetia Market and Krofrom Market were all made possible following Otumfuo’s intervention, stressing that Otumfuo Education Fund alone has benefitted every tribe in the country so far and has helped to boost education in the state.

He said the Asantehene’s positive records at has been seen and felt across the globe, no wonder the United Nations (UN) invited the Asante King to address them in New York, indicating that saboteurs of Asanteman like Bishop Dag should know that Asantes are not weak people.

“Asanteman was conceived in battle, nurtured in battle and sustained in battle”, he sternly cautioned, adding that “we are warning all and sundry who hide under religion, tribe, politics et al to push agenda against Asante, Sikadwa and the King would be met with same brute force”, the KUYA General Secretary said.

Kwabena Frimpong said Asantes are proud of the massive achievements of the Asantehene since his ascension on the Golden Stool therefore Bishop Dag’s stance cannot in  anyway erase Otumfuo’s positive works for his subjects and the state in general.

APOLOGY

Meanwhile, Bishop Dag had issued a statement to offer a public apology.

The statement dated June 19, 2021 and issued on the letter head of LCI read:

“I am deeply saddened that a message I shared at a conference, nearly 20 years ago, has been taken out of its context and circulated by persons who have previously declared that they will maliciously cause our churches in Kumasi to be closed down.

“I apologize, unreservedly, to His Majesty Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II for any disrespect, insult or harm caused him or his Royal Court. Please accept my profound apologies for the statements I made.

“Indeed, the accomplishments of Yur Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II are evident and manifest for all to see. His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is also the Chancellor of KNUST and the supporter of education, has helped develop the infrastructure of 788 schools, built 0 complete  Unit classroom blocks; and domated over 1 milllion desks.

“I deeply regret that my words spoken 20 years ago have offended this honourable institution which has worked tirelessly for many years to make Ghana and the world a better place for all of us to live in.

“I wish to thank His Majesty, Otunfup Osei Tutu II for his graciuusness in this matter.’

Signed

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills