The General Overseer of the Promised Word Church International (PWCI), Apostle Paul Kweku Addei Jnr., has advised Ghanaian youth to refrain from excessive insults and hate speech against elders and leaders on social media. He emphasized that freedom of speech, as enshrined in the 1992 constitution, was not intended to denigrate prominent personalities and elders. Apostle Addei gave this advice during a media address after the launch of the 40th Anniversary celebration of the church at Awutu Ofankor near Kasoa in the Central Region.
Apostle Addei expressed concern over the alarming rate of youth using social media to lambast, disgrace, and ridicule elders, describing it as a dangerous trend that needed to be checked. He acknowledged the youth's right to criticize or point out mistakes of elders but stressed that this should be done in a respectful manner, without using abusive language or unprinted words against people in sensitive positions. This, he believes, is crucial for maintaining sanity in the democratic system.
In addition to addressing social media behavior, Apostle Addei urged youth to abstain from drug abuse, alcoholism, and other social vices that could negatively impact their lives. He called on the government to find lasting solutions to the growing insults in public discourse. The General Overseer also appealed to the clergy and youth advocacy groups to educate young people about the need to distance themselves from such behaviors and promote peace and harmony.
Apostle Addei further encouraged church leaders to correct members, particularly young ladies, who dress indecently to church. He emphasized that church leaders must address this unguided behavior, which tarnishes the image of Christianity. This call for reform is part of his efforts to promote moral values and responsible behavior among church members.
The 40th anniversary celebration of the Promised Word Church International is scheduled for next year. Apostle Addei shared the history of the church, which was founded by his father, Bishop Kweku Addei, in 1987 at Awutu Ofankor with a few members. Under Apostle Addei's leadership over the past 11 years, the church has grown to 32 branches across the Central, Eastern, Western, Western North, and Greater Accra regions, with plans to establish more branches.
The church has made significant contributions to the community, including an orphanage, football team, school, farms, and Bible school. These initiatives have positively impacted the lives of members, particularly youth, in areas such as education and employment. The church's orphanage has cared for over 500 orphans in the Ofankor community, providing free education and assisting them in securing employment or traveling abroad.
Despite challenges such as the civil war in Liberia, where the church had a branch, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected rural community church growth, Apostle Addei expressed his commitment to expanding infrastructure and planting new branches. The church's growth and community impact demonstrate its dedication to serving the spiritual and social needs of its members and the broader community.
Key points
- Apostle Addei urges youth to eschew insults and hate speech against leaders on social media.
- The Promised Word Church International celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.
- The church has grown to 32 branches and made significant community contributions under Apostle Addei's leadership.
