The MamaYe Campaign and the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR) have noted with surprise, a video circulating in the media in what seems to be a deliverance session being performed by a ‘man of God’ on a pregnant woman.
The 42 seconds video shows a despicable attempt by a man believed to be the head pastor of the International God’s Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, commanding demons to leave the body of the purported pregnant woman while stomping on her abdomen.
A statement signed by Vicky T. Okine, Executive Director of ARHR, condemned the action of the individual captured in the video and called on the Ghana Health Service and law enforcement agencies to protect unborn children and their mothers from practices which put their lives at risk.
The statement said: “It is sad that in this day and age where organisations are working assiduously to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, some religious leaders are worsening the plight of women in Ghana through unorthodox healthcare promises and practices.”
“This action is a sad reflection of how gullible we are as a community and consequently, how susceptible we are to exploitation – both of which contribute negatively to maternal and newborn survival.
The statement called on the Christian Council and the Ghana Pentecostal Council to strengthen their monitoring processes to identify and rein in overzealous and exploitative leaders who prey on the lack of knowledge and vulnerability of the needy and lead them into situations that threaten their health and in this context, that of the unborn child. The health system is already stretched and we must eschew practices that are inimical to safe pregnancies and deliveries.
“People have a right to believe in whatever makes them happy but they need education to avoid being outwitted because of their emotional needs or desperation. It is the duty of the law enforcement agencies to ensure that people do not get away with such actions detrimental to the wellbeing of our society.”
Ms Okine urged women to visit health centres during pregnancy to receive antenatal care and to prevent complications prior to childbirth. She also encouraged pregnant women to seek the services of skilled birth attendants during deliveries. This, she said, will “…result in increased maternal and newborn survival.
