Be constructive in criticising Mensa Otabil – Archbishop Duncan-Williams

• Posted on November 4, 2014November 4, 2014
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The founder and general overseer of the Christian Action Faith Ministries, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has advised critics to constructively criticise his colleague, Pastor Mensah Otabil, if there was the need to do so.

According to him critics who drag the name of Pastor Otabil in the mud with their destructive criticisms are not being fair to the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Founder.

Pastor Mensah Otabil was greatly criticised by government communicators and the Minister of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah for comparing Ghana’s economy and leadership to a “sinking ship”.

In an interview on Joy FM Monday morning, Archbishop Duncan-Williams said Pastor Otabil was a “statesman in his own right”, and deserves commendation and celebration, rather than condemnation, since he was an achiever who has contributed to the growth of Ghana.

According to him, some level of credit ought to be accorded Pastor Otabil looking at his contribution to the Ghanaian society.

“I don’t think the man should be seen as an enemy. I don’t think people should tear him down and refuse to acknowledge the role he has played. He has contributed a lot to this country aside his church. I think that, criticise him but let it be constructive, not destructive criticism. Don’t drag him through the mud and make him look like somebody who hasn’t achieved anything,” Archbishop Duncan-Williams pointed out.

The general overseer said he was worried about the fact that Ghanaians are now abusing their freedom of speech.

As he puts it, Ghanaians are “beginning to get to a place in this country where our freedom of speech is becoming freedom of insult.”

“That is what they do in the West but we are of a different people. Our culture and tradition does (sic) not allow us to disrespect our elders.”

“In his own right, he’s (Pastor Mensah Otabil) a statesman. He’s done a lot for himself and this country. Praise him for that and criticise him for what you disagree with him on. I think something is wrong if you tag the man as an enemy because of one or two things he said that you disagree with him.”

-graphic