Prime News Ghana

Dag Heward-Mills apologises to Otumfuo for ‘disrespect, insult’ on viral audio

By George Nyavor
Otumfuo (L) and Dag Heward-Mills
Otumfuo (L) and Dag Heward-Mills
Shares
facebook sharing button Share
twitter sharing button Tweet
email sharing button Email
sharethis sharing button Share

Founder and President of Lighthouse Chapel International, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, has apologised to Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for the contents of a viral audio that surfaced recently.

In that leaked audio, a voice that sounds like the respected preacher's is captured saying the Asantehene has not achieved much in terms of development for his people, among other comments deemed offensive.

While some had doubted the authenticity of the leaked audio, a statement of apology and explanation issued on the letterhead of Lighthouse Chapel International and dated Saturday, June 19, 2021, has confirmed that the voice belongs to the popular bishop.

“I apologize, unreservedly, to His Majesty Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II for any disrespect, insult, or harm caused him or his Royal Court. Please accept my profound apologies for any statements I made.

“Indeed, the accomplishments of Your Majesty Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II are evident and manifest for all to see. His Majesty Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, who is also the Chancellor of KNUST and supporter of education, has helped develop the infrastructure of 788 schools; built 40 complete 6 Unit classroom blocks; and donated over 1 million desks,” the statement signed by Bishop Heward-Mills said.

He said he was deeply saddened by the circulation of the audio, explaining the sermon from which those comments were made is nearly 20 years old.

“It has been taken out of its context by persons who have previously declared their intention to bring harm and ridicule to our organization,” he alleged.

“I deeply regret that my words spoken almost 20 years ago have offended this honourable institution, which has worked tirelessly for many years to make Ghana and the world a better place for all of us to live in. 

“I wish to thank His Majesty, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II for his graciousness in this matter,” Dag Heward-Mills appealed.

Dag Heward-Mills was recently in the news following damning allegations by an online news portal.

The Fourth Estate carried a story alleging that six former pastors have sued the church for exploitation, and its failure to pay Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions during their active service to the church.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills was heavily criticised by a section of Ghanaians following that report.