Ghanaian Pastor Faces Legal Battle Over Social Media Defamation Claims Against Fellow Clergy
A heated religious dispute has taken a legal turn as Pastor Emmanuel Boachie of Souls Pasture Church finds himself in court over explosive allegations made against Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah, founder of Believers Worship Centre (BWC). The Asante Akropong Circuit Court has remanded Boachie following a formal defamation complaint, setting the stage for a landmark case that examines the boundaries of free speech in Ghana's religious community.
The Controversial Social Media Posts
The conflict began on April 13, 2025, when Boachie allegedly released a series of inflammatory videos across multiple digital platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp. In these widely circulated posts, the pastor made shocking claims about his fellow clergyman, labeling Kyei-Duah as a "false prophet," "thief," and even "Satan incarnate." He further asserted that the teachings of the Philadelphia Movement, led by Kyei-Duah, directly contradicted established biblical doctrines. Notably absent from Boachie's accusations was any concrete evidence to support his damaging claims.
Swift Legal Response
The viral nature of these allegations prompted immediate action from the complainant. Prophet Kyei-Duah filed an official report with the Kumasi Tafo Police Station, setting in motion a legal process that has captured national attention. During the initial court hearing, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Albert Asagre presented compelling evidence, revealing that Boachie had confessed to creating and disseminating the controversial content during police questioning.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Despite his admission to publishing the material, Pastor Boachie entered a plea of not guilty to the twin charges of spreading false information and engaging in conduct likely to breach public peace. The court, under the stewardship of Her Honour Mrs. Gloria Mensah Bonsu, determined that the seriousness of the allegations warranted Boachie's remand until the next hearing date of April 30, 2025. This decision allows law enforcement additional time to complete their investigation into the matter.
Broader Implications
This unprecedented case has ignited vigorous debate across Ghana's religious and legal communities. Key questions have emerged regarding:
1. The appropriate limits of free speech within religious discourse
2. The responsibility of religious leaders in public communications
3. The legal ramifications of unverified accusations in the digital era
Legal experts suggest the outcome could establish important precedents for handling similar cases in the future, particularly as social media continues to play an increasingly prominent role in religious and community disputes.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
The Christian community remains divided over the incident, with some supporting Boachie's right to question religious teachings, while others condemn his methods as irresponsible and damaging to the church's unity. As the case progresses, all eyes remain on the Asante Akropong Circuit Court, where the presiding judge must carefully balance considerations of free expression against protections against defamation.
Investigators continue to examine the full context and impact of Boachie's statements, including whether they incited any violence or unrest. The April 30 hearing is expected to provide more clarity on the direction of the case and potential consequences for the accused pastor.
This developing story serves as a cautionary tale about the power - and potential peril - of social media in modern religious discourse, highlighting the need for thoughtful communication even in the midst of theological disagreements. As Ghana's legal system grapples with this complex case, it may well set important standards for digital accountability in religious circles across Africa.
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