Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, founder and leader of the charismatic church Perez Chapel International, formerly known as the Word Miracle Church International, has stated that his remark that Nogokpo, a town in the Ketu South Constituency of the Volta Region, is the headquarters of demonic spirits was never meant to disparage the town or its inhabitants, but rather to reinforce his teaching on divine protection.
He clarified that he was referring to an event that occurred in the city, not the city itself, and emphasized that any misrepresentation or misunderstanding is lamentable.
"I would like to clarify that I never intended to refer to Nogokpo, but rather an incident that occurred after a crusade in Aflao. I had no intention of denigrating the people of Nogokpo or the entire Volta region...
It is regrettable that subsequent commentary and reporting have been characterized by misrepresentation and false information," he stated at the Perez Dome on 28 May 2023.
Archbishop Charles Agyinasare was severely criticized for claiming that Nogokpo is the capital of Ghana's malevolent forces. The Chiefs and residents of the town confronted him for disparaging them. Others demanded his resignation and an apology.
See his full statement listed below:
"I have received phone calls from close friends, and my attention has been drawn to social media commentary regarding some of the remarks I made last Thursday at the Supernatural Empowerment Summit here in the Perez Dome."
I was instructing the congregation on how to activate divine protection against demonic intrusions while discussing the divine protection Christians receive from God. This is a fundamental doctrine of our faith as Charismatic Christians.
To illustrate my point, I cited several instances in which I have encountered manifestations of demonic powers during my crusades, which have taken me to more than 92 countries around the globe. During a crusade in India, I provided an illustration of individuals who desired to levitate. As a youthful pastor who had gone to a bus stop near Korle Bu to preach, I described an assault I suffered.
Regarding Nogokpo, I would like to clarify that I was never referring to the town itself, but rather an incident that occurred after a crusade at Aflao. I had no intention of offending the citizens of Nogokpo Town or the entire Volta Region.
I have had a very cordial relationship with the residents of the Volta Region. My 38-year-old wife is a Keta-native Ewe. In addition, two of my sons are named Ewe. All of the examples I provided were not intended to demean any of the communities or their inhabitants, but rather to exemplify the principle of divine protection to the congregation.
It is regrettable that subsequent commentary and reporting have been characterized by misrepresentation and false information.
My ministry has served as a spiritual gatekeeper for our nation for the past four decades, and I remain committed to serving God's people and our nation as the Holy Spirit directs."