Pentecostalism and the broadcasting media in Africa: a critical study of the Church of Pentecost and their Pentecost Hour TV programme in Ghana

Abstract

The strand of Christianity called Pentecostalism, traces its origin to the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1ff). It has spread to different parts of the world and Africa, utilising various strategies, including broadcasting, to win souls, although this practice is relatively expensive. Some scholars, such as Paul Gifford, are critical of it, while Ogbu Kalu, among others, appears to support it. This study presents an overview of broadcasting in Africa including religious broadcasting. The broadcasting of religious content by Christians, Muslims and African Traditionalists have been essential elements in African broadcasting. These religions broadcast through radio, TV and other traditional and social media networks. The Church of Pentecost (COP) in Ghana, West Africa which broadcasts the Pentecost Hour TV programme have a membership of about 10% of the total population of the Republic of Ghana. What is the nature of their TV broadcasting? This study uses primary and secondary data as well as quantitative and diverse qualitative research methods to answer the critical question of this study by; systematically tracing the genesis of religious broadcasting in Ghana and the entry by Pentecostals and COP in particular. This study critically analyses the COP TV sermons, which are the main content of the programme. In addition, it examines the audience's reaction to the programme. Through critical analyses, findings have been reached that shed light on the nature of the COP TV broadcast, Pentecost Hour TV. As a result, some recommendations. In Ghana, broadcasting can hardly be done without religion, particularly Christianity. This work has identified that radio officially began in the Gold Coast, now Ghana, on 31st July 1935, by the Colonialists, while an indigenous Ghana government started TV broadcasting in Ghana in 1965. Furthermore, the study presents an original narrative of the history of religious broadcasting in Ghana. It provides a case for understanding the role of broadcasting in Christian mission in Africa of the strand of Pentecostalism called Classical Pentecostal Christianity and, in particular, COP in Ghana. This understanding is different from that of the Neo-Pentecostals. Finally, this study helps to reshape a generally held thought by many that broadcasting promotes the mission of Pentecostals in Africa.