Abstract

The societal impact of ‘progressive’ Pentecostalism—that is, how is it ‘progressive’, and what are its effects?—is a significant concern in Ghana, not least because the faith’s demographic significance makes its nature and characteristics a prominent public issue. This paper seeks to assess the influence of ‘progressive’ Pentecostalism in Ghana through the examination of three issues: social development and the prosperity gospel, morality and anti-corruption concerns, and the contribution of ‘progressive’ Pentecostalism to Ghana’s national interest. This paper is divided into three sections. The first describes and explains the emergence and rapid growth of ‘progressive’ Pentecostalism in Ghana in the context of three historic ‘waves’ of Pentecostalism: in the 1930s, the late 1970s, and late 1980s/early 1990s. Section two examines (1) the developmental impact of ‘progressive’ Pentecostalism, (2) links between ‘progressive’ Pentecostalism, moral decay, and public sector corruption, and (3) the pros and cons of the prosperity gospel. The concluding section of this paper assesses the overall contribution of ‘progressive’ Pentecostalism to Ghana’s national interest. The conclusion is that ‘progressive’ Pentecostalism has a dual effect: the prosperity gospel may encourage both corruption and moral decay, while also contributing via spiritual ministry to social welfare.

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