The Duamenefa Foundation has cautioned members of the public to beware of wolves in a sheep clothing, referring to the gospel according to Mathew, 7 :15 , the public is urge to exercise discernment and carefully vet men and women of God before accepting their teachings, revelations and spiritual instructions.
The Executive President of the Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, made the call during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme on Fafaa 100.3 FM, following an engagement with a woman who identifies herself as Prophetess Mad. Agbeyeye over allegations brought before the Foundation.
The matter reportedly came to the attention of the Foundation after the family of Madam Grace Dushie petitioned the foundation to investigate and intervene to save the family from circumstances surrounding prophetess Agbeyeye who, according to the petition, allegedly kept her 37 year old daughter, Ewoenam Dogbey in her custody
Madam Dushie, reportedly attempted to take her daughter away but encountered resistance. After seeking the intervention of traditional rulers and other stakeholders without a satisfactory resolution, the family petitioned the Duamenefa Foundation for investigation and intervention.
Prophetess Agbeyeye was subsequently invited to respond to the allegations and present her side of the matter.
During the interaction, she narrated aspects of her personal life and spiritual journey. She stated that she previously lived in Accra with her husband, whom she said she married at the Apostles Revelation Society (ARS) Church, Medina Branch.
She also spoke about her experience with childlessness, stating that she spent 15 years without having a child. According to her, she declined a suggestion from her mother-in-law to seek medical assistance involving artificial insemination but instead, she chose to pray for a child.
According to the prophetess, after years of prayer, she believed her prayers had been answered and subsequently began experiencing what she described as spiritual revelations and instructions.
Among the practices she discussed was what she described as an instruction to burn fire whenever she received certain spiritual directives. She explained that she had carried out the practice on different occasions, including an incident at a church where she claimed she used fire to prepare popcorn and tea, which she later shared with members.
Prophetess Agbeyeye also referred to biblical passages and a book she attributed to the founder of the Apostles Revelation Society Church, Prophet C. K. N. Wovenu, in explaining her understanding of the burning fire spiritual assignment.
She further narrated how she later stopped some of the practices she believed she had been instructed to undertake, including the burning of fire. According to her, she subsequently experienced difficulties which she interpreted as being connected to her decision to discontinue the assignment.
She said she eventually resumed what she considered her spiritual assignment and later travelled to Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region after what she described as a spiritual instruction to continue her work.
Upon arriving in Tadzewu, she said she initially had no accommodation but was later assisted by a person she described as a servant of God.
She further stated that she approached the leadership of the ARS Church to inform them about the assignment she believed God had given her. According to her, the leadership indicated that management would communicate with her, but she said she had not received a response.
On the allegation that she was keeping Madam Ewoenam, against her will, Prophetess Agbeyeye denied that she was personally responsible for keeping Ewoenam at her residence. She maintained that the woman’s presence was connected to what she described as divine instructions.
She explained that she believed the same spiritual calling that directed her own movements and activities was connected to the situation involving the woman.
The engagement reportedly became tense at some points as questions were raised about the allegations and the explanations being offered.
According to the Foundation, some of Prophetess Agbeyeye’s responses were considered disrespectful, with concerns that she appeared to be insisting that the Foundation accept her position and conduct the intervention according to her expectations.
The situation reportedly became more intense when she made a statement to the effect that God should take her life if what she was saying was untrue. The statement reportedly generated further concern among members of the Foundation.
The Foundation, however, stressed that the purpose of the engagement was to provide her with an opportunity to respond to the allegations, hear her side of the story and establish clarity on the matter.
Mr. Evortepe emphasised that individuals involved in interventions must approach such processes with respect, openness and a willingness to answer legitimate questions.
He described some of the submissions made by Prophetess Agbeyeye as controversial and said they raised concerns that required careful examination.
According to Mr. Evortepe, members of the Foundation are guided by biblical principles and ethics and therefore have a responsibility to examine spiritual claims against established biblical teachings.
He stressed that individuals should not accept every revelation or spiritual instruction simply because it is presented as coming from God.
The Executive President therefore urged the public to thoroughly examine the teachings, character, conduct and credibility of religious leaders before choosing to follow them.
He cautioned worshippers against blindly accepting claims made by individuals who present themselves as prophets, prophetesses, pastors or other religious authorities.
Mr. Evortepe also encouraged families to remain vigilant when vulnerable relatives become involved in religious activities that raise concerns, particularly where alleged spiritual instructions could affect their welfare or family relationships.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, families and community stakeholders to work together to resolve disputes involving religious leaders, especially where the welfare of an individual is at stake.
He further stressed that faith and respect for religious leaders should not prevent individuals from asking legitimate questions, seeking clarification and exercising sound judgment.
Mr. Evortepe maintained that the Foundation’s intervention was aimed at bringing clarity to the matter and allowing all relevant parties an opportunity to present their accounts.
He reiterated his call for the public to vet men and women of God before following them, urging worshippers to examine their teachings, conduct and credibility rather than surrendering personal judgment solely because an individual claims to have received a revelation from God.
He encouraged the public to combine faith with wisdom, discernment and responsible decision-making, particularly in sensitive matters involving individuals, families and religious practices.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe