The Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana has urged Members of Parliament to stop associating with unregulated and self-proclaimed pastors, warning that such support gives them false credibility and undermines the image of the religious community.

The call was made by Rt Rev Dr Hillard Dela Dogbe on May 20, 2025, during a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Cultural and Religious Affairs to the Council’s offices in Accra.

The meeting formed part of a familiarisation tour by the committee to engage with institutions under its oversight.

Dr Dogbe stated that although the Christian Council has established entry requirements for member churches, it does not have the legal authority to regulate religious leaders who operate outside its membership.

He described the activities of these so-called pastors as a growing problem and called for a more responsible approach from both religious groups and public officials.

He said public endorsements from politicians, especially parliamentarians, often give the impression that these individuals have official backing. “When parliamentarians associate with these figures, it sends the wrong message that they have institutional support,” he said.

Concerns over unregulated churches and fake pastors have featured prominently in public discussions, with some calling for legal controls.

Dr Dogbe, however, advocated for self-regulation within the religious community and advised MPs to exercise caution in their public associations.

During the committee’s earlier visit to the Ministry of Local Government, the Minister, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, said the resolution of chieftaincy disputes remained a major concern.

He noted that the government was treating the issue seriously and added that the committee had been structured to reflect fairness. 

According to Mr Ibrahim, the chairmanship of the committee was deliberately given to a member of the opposition to avoid partisan influence in chieftaincy matters.

At the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the sector Minister, Ms Dzifa Abla Gomashie, encouraged Ghanaians to take pride in their cultural heritage, noting that Ghana’s uniqueness lies in its food, clothing, fashion, and traditions.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Fred Kyei Asamoah, commended the institutions visited and gave the assurance that the committee would take an active role in addressing the issues raised during the engagements.