Religion as a Tool for Extortion in West Africa

October 17, 2022

2 minutes read

Religion as a Tool for Extortion in West Africa

Religion holds a powerful position in West African societies, with churches, mosques, and other spiritual organizations deeply embedded in people’s lives. However, this influence has led to the rise of financial exploitation, where spiritual leaders demand large sums from followers in exchange for miracles, blessings, or deliverance from hardship. In countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, the “prosperity gospel” has become prevalent, promising wealth and success to those who give generously to religious leaders.

Many followers are encouraged to donate beyond their means, with promises of healing or business breakthroughs. Even those facing severe economic challenges often feel compelled to give, hoping for divine intervention. Stories have emerged of individuals selling properties or going into debt to fund donations requested by religious leaders. In some cases, desperate congregants are told that their inability to give will block their blessings or even attract curses.

This exploitation extends to public events where “miracle crusades” and revival meetings attract large crowds. Many attendees are asked to sow “seeds” of faith by making financial pledges, with the promise that these offerings will yield exponential spiritual and material rewards. The vulnerable—especially those struggling with health issues, unemployment, or family crises—are often the primary targets.

Efforts to curb religious extortion face challenges, as these institutions wield significant political and social influence. Governments in the region have begun exploring regulations, but the thin line between religious freedom and fraudulent practices complicates enforcement. Educating citizens about financial manipulation disguised as faith remains crucial to combat the exploitation prevalent in these spiritual spaces.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

World Cup

Morocco’s $4.2B Airport Upgrade for 2030 World Cup

On July 24, 2025, a $4.2 billion initiative was announced by Morocco to enhance its ...

CAR

ICC Convicts CAR’s Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona

The International Criminal Court (ICC), today, July 24, 2025, convicted Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, former head of ...

FCTA

FCT Extends 2024/2025 School Calendar by Five Weeks

The 2024/2025 third term for public primary schools in Abuja has been extended by five ...

Student

UBEC Reaffirms Commitment to Reducing Out-of-School Children

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) reiterated its dedication to tackling Nigeria’s high number of ...

Features

Buhari's Legacy

From the Fulani Plains to Power: The Buhari Chronicle

Muhammadu Buhari (17 December 1942 – 13 July 2025), a name etched into Nigeria’s historical ...

Flood

Texas Mourns as Flash Flood Death Toll Hits 120

Shock has turned to grief across Texas as the death toll from devastating flash floods ...

heat

Morocco Heat Wave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand

Morocco is grappling with a severe heatwave this summer, with temperatures soaring well above average ...

UK

UK and US Clamp Down on Nigerian Visas:What Does It Really Mean?

The United Kingdom and United States have recently tightened visa policies for Nigerian citizens, sparking ...

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 26th is the day in 1882 that the Republic of Stellaland is founded in Southern Africa.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.8577
GH Ghana Cedi10.432
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,663.21
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,527.34
CF CFA Franc BEAC558.4276
26 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 26 Jul 2025 04:05 UTC
Latest change: 26 Jul 2025 04:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?