Peace Council writes to Nogokpo over Agyinasare

Spokesperson and Convener of the Nogokpo community, Nufialaga Mawufemor Korbla Nonyigbey, has confirmed receipt of a letter from the National Peace Council (NPC) which called for a truce between the community and Archbishop Charles Agyinasare founder of Perez Chapel International.

The leaders of Nogokpo had summoned Agyinasare to appear before them in person within 14 days after he was caught on video to have told his congregation that “Nogokpo is the demonic headquarters of the Volta Region.”
The Archbishop subsequently clarified that he did not mean to speak ill of the people of Nogokpo and that what he said was to illustrate a point he was making during a sermon in his church.
The NPC said its statement was to find an amicable settlement to the feud.
The statement said “The attention of the Council has also been drawn to statements that have been made by some religious personalities in the country regarding the same issue.
“Recognizing the fact that the impasse if not quickly addressed may have consequences on peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in the country, the National Peace Council, in pursuit of its mandate to facilitate conflict prevention, appeals to the Nogokpo Traditional Authorities and Perez Chapel International to remain calm and not give in to provocations as efforts are being undertaken to address the situation,” excerpts of the statement said.
The NPC also urged the media and all those who make statements on the matter to exercise maximum restraint in their narratives to protect the peace, stability, and the integrity of the country.

Speaking with Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Tuesday, Nufialaga Mawufemor Korbla Nonyigbey said the letter from the NPC was being responded to but that does not mean they can be made to believe that Archbishop Agyinasare had truly rendered an apology.

“Honestly, I find it difficult when they say he has sent an apology when there is no such thing. He came to justify himself by saying he is married to an Ewe and his children have Ewe names. To us, that is not an apology, and we would want him to come before us to apologise”, Nufialaga Mawufemor Korbla Nonyigbey noted.

He further elaborated that the comments of the Archbishop are nothing but stereotype against the community.

“Nogokpo is a land of peace, and we are caring people, and we are a land of justice. We are known for serving justice and not on the negative side but on the positive side and Nogokpo has been a source of justice the world over.

“When someone robs you of your belongings, and you have tried all other means without getting your belongings, that is when you say you are going to Nogokpo. The perception that people have is a result of comments like what Agyinasare made.”

Mr. Nonyigbey also lamented the implications of the Archbishop’s comments, which he said are likely to affect the next generation.

“Attention is now focused on the Archbishop, but we are not paying attention to the damage it has done to the people of the town. The implications of this on the next generation are very negative, so we have to get to the bottom of it so that it doesn’t happen again.”