An NDC Communication Team member for the Kpone Katamanso Constituency, Francis Melo, has endorsed government plans to compile a comprehensive national database of religious institutions, describing the move as a critical step toward national development and effective regulation.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nkosuo Nsem, hosted by Kofi Sekyi, Melo stressed the need for accurate and reliable data across all sectors of the economy.
“We need to get a good database of everything in this country so it can help us make informed decisions, including determining the number of churches,” he stated.
His comments come in response to an announcement by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, who revealed plans by government to register and document all religious institutions to strengthen collaboration with faith-based organisations.
According to the Minister, the initiative was prompted by a recent question in Parliament regarding the number of churches, mosques, shrines and other religious bodies operating in the country—an issue that exposed the lack of reliable and up-to-date data.
Speaking during a visit to Muslim community leaders in Accra as part of activities marking Ramadan, where food items were donated, the Minister explained that the exercise is not intended to interfere in the internal affairs of religious organisations.
“Government recognises the critical role religious institutions play in promoting peace, unity and moral development, and we want to strengthen that partnership for national development,” he noted.
He further disclosed that consultations with the Registrar-General’s Department indicate that many religious bodies are currently registered as companies limited by guarantee rather than as religious institutions.
Reacting to the development, Melo described the initiative as a step in the right direction but called for stronger regulatory measures. He expressed concern over the rapid proliferation of churches, mosques and traditional worship centres, insisting that many operate without proper oversight.
He also raised concerns about the increasing number of pubs in residential areas, which he said continue to disturb residents, and called for targeted regulation to address the situation.
Melo emphasised the need to update existing laws to reflect current realities, adding that a credible national database would also help authorities identify and track fraudulent religious operators, often referred to as “fake prophets.”
He maintained that strengthening data systems and regulatory frameworks is essential to ensuring order, accountability and sustainable national development.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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