Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician and evangelist, Diana Asamoah, has issued a strong call to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana, urging them to take decisive action against pastors who are selling unapproved beverages such as sobolo and other consumable items to their congregants during church services.
In a passionate appeal made during her radio show on Accra-based Angel FM, the “Anopa Wim” hitmaker expressed deep concern over the growing trend of religious leaders engaging in the sale of herbal drinks and food products within church premises. She emphasized that these pastors often promote the items as spiritual remedies or miraculous solutions without any scientific backing or approval from relevant health authorities.
According to Evangelist Asamoah, several members of various congregations have suffered adverse health effects—including serious conditions such as diabetes—after consuming these so-called spiritual drinks, particularly sobolo, which is frequently advertised by some pastors as a product with healing properties, even falsely claiming it can cleanse or “renew the blood.”
“Some pastors claim to be selling sobolo marketed as blood, suggesting it has miraculous properties, but the FDA has not conducted any tests to verify that it is safe for human consumption,” Diana Asamoah stated. “I am pleading with the FDA to begin visiting these churches to inspect and test these items to ensure they are not harming the very people who come to church seeking help.”
The gospel artiste further called on pastors who insist on selling food or herbal products within their churches to involve certified health professionals. She urged that medical screenings be conducted on church members to determine if they are medically fit to consume such items.
“Any pastor who wants to sell sobolo or any kind of food or herbal product in their church should first bring in doctors or health professionals to test their congregation. They should ensure that people’s health conditions, especially related to sugar levels and blood pressure, are considered. Many churchgoers have ended up with diabetes and other illnesses because of these unapproved items being sold to them in the name of faith,” she added.
Diana Asamoah also used the platform to address wider concerns about misconduct among certain Ghanaian pastors. She warned against immoral behavior, including inappropriate relationships with members of their congregations, which she said discredits the image of the Christian faith and could lead to spiritual and societal consequences.
Her comments have sparked renewed debate across social and religious circles in Ghana, as more public figures begin to question the accountability of church leaders and their practices. Critics argue that some pastors are exploiting the faith of their members for profit, putting their health and spiritual well-being at risk.
Evangelist Diana Asamoah’s remarks are part of a growing chorus of voices calling for increased regulation and oversight in the activities of churches, especially concerning health-related claims and the sale of consumable products. She urged the FDA to take up its mandate seriously and launch investigations into churches where such practices are ongoing.
As concerns about public health and consumer safety grow, her appeal highlights the need for collaboration between religious institutions and regulatory bodies to protect the interests and well-being of the general public.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ahotoronline.com
