The Head Pastor of Life Assembly Worship Centre, who is also the flag bearer of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Rev. Dr Christian Kwabena Adu, popularly called Osofo Kyiriabosom, has stated that he takes the collection of consultation fees very seriously.

According to him, there is nothing wrong for him, as a man of God, to charge his congregation and other people who consult him on life issues.

He reiterated that his consultation fees differ from person to person, adding that politicians are charged differently from ordinary people and businessmen and women.

The GUM flag bearer observed that doctors charge when they are consulted and lavishly spend their money on cars and mansions and, so, wondered why pastors cannot do the same.

Many pastors have come under heavy criticism for monetising consultations.

But speaking on Accra 100.5FM’s ‘Ayekoo Ayekoo’ with Nana Romeo, Osofo Kyiriabosom described such critics as people who are ignorant of the teachings of the Bible, adding that he uses the consultation fees to pay the church’s utility bills, TV programmes and other projects.

He said there is no way he will stop collecting fees for consultation because the offertory, alone, cannot solve the church’s problems.

“I don’t joke with my consultation fees. I can’t afford to go hungry when I’m working. Doctors charge for consultation, so, why can’t we pastors do the same when people come to us. Those who criticise me and other pastors are just ignorant of the teachings of the Bible. How can I pay my TV programmes and utility bills if I don’t charge for consultation? You are seeking consultation for the knowledge God has given me, so, you have to pay. It’s not for free; the charges differ from person to person – politicians are charged differently from businessmen and women and ordinary people,” Osofo Kyiriabosom stated.