Few figures in Ghana’s religious landscape have wielded as much influence as Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah, the founder and Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International.
Over four decades, he has expanded a small fellowship into a global Christian movement, with footprints across Africa, Europe, and North America. But beyond the pulpit, his views on leadership, governance, and national development set him apart.
In this conversation with the B&FT’s Bernard Yaw Ashiadey and Ebenezer Chike Adjei Njoku, Rev. Korankye Ankrah discusses the crisis of leadership in Africa, arguing that the continent’s challenges stem not from a lack of resources but from a failure of vision and accountability. “Leadership is about service, accountability, and vision. If we want Ghana to move forward, we must abandon the cycle of political division and work together as one people,” he says.
He speaks candidly about the role of faith in governance, calling for leaders to uphold ethical standards rather than merely profess religious beliefs. “If every public official truly loved their neighbour as themselves, they would not exploit national resources for personal gain.”
In the face of economic uncertainty, he underscores the need for the private sector to drive recovery, criticising bureaucracy and corruption as barriers to investment. “The government has no business doing business. Its role should be to create an enabling environment for businesses and institutions to flourish.”
Beyond governance, he discusses the church’s evolving role in education and healthcare, highlighting the Royalhouse Chapel Scholarship Foundation, which has provided financial aid to over 3,000 students.
He also addresses the ongoing debate over taxing churches, calling instead for greater transparency. During a period of political and economic volatility, his message is clear: leadership must be redefined through service, integrity, and a commitment to national progress.
Defining leadership
B&FT: As a man with extensive experience, what would you say defines a true leader?
AG: Leadership is about vision, influence, and transformation. A leader is someone who can inspire people to rally behind a cause, articulate a clear direction, and mobilise resources—no matter how limited—to create a meaningful impact.
A true leader must possess not only a vision but also the ability to communicate it effectively. Knowing where you are going is not enough; your followers must understand, believe in, and commit to the journey. This is what distinguishes leaders from managers. Managers maintain systems, but leaders create movements.
When I entered ministry nearly 40 years ago, I started with young people—many of whom are now leading our missions across Europe, the U.S., and beyond. People who are now heading our European missions, and leading our churches in America, were students when they decided to follow me.
They saw something in the vision I shared with them, and today, they are impacting lives worldwide. Leadership, therefore, is about laying foundations for others to build upon. It is about creating an ecosystem where people can thrive, knowing that their success is also the leader’s success.
The crisis of leadership in Africa
B&FT: You have often spoken about Africa’s leadership challenges. What do you believe is the root cause?
AG: Leadership in Africa faces a crisis of vision and integrity. We see abundant natural resources, yet our people remain impoverished. We produce oil, but our fuel prices are among the highest. We have fertile lands, yet food security remains a challenge. The problem is not a lack of resources but a failure in leadership. Many of our leaders have neglected the principles of stewardship, accountability, and service. Worse still, they have removed God from governance. When leadership is devoid of godly principles, we witness corruption, selfishness, and short-term gratification.
Consider our own country, Ghana. We have had devout Christians in high office—a sitting president from the Assemblies of God Church, a former president who is Catholic, a vice president who is Methodist—yet the nation struggles with setbacks. Why? Because professing faith is not enough; leaders must practice it. When leaders walk the talk, transformation follows. If every public official truly loved their neighbour as themselves, they would not exploit national resources for personal gain. If they governed with the fear of God, they would prioritise the well-being of the people above their own ambitions. Leadership, at its core, is about service. When leaders serve selflessly, nations thrive.
The role of discipline in leadership
B&FT: In cursory interactions with people who know you, one word stood out – Discipline. It is an oft-misunderstood concept. How do you define it, and how does it apply to leadership?
AG: Discipline is foundational to success. It is not about harshness or yelling at people. Rather, it is about self-control, consistency, and leading by example. If you call for a meeting at 9:00 AM, be ready at 9:00 AM. If it is a prayer session, focus on prayer. If it is a training session, ensure that learning takes place.
A leader who lacks discipline should not expect followers to be disciplined. Discipline also applies to personal conduct. If you teach generosity, be a giver. If you preach about marital faithfulness, honour your spouse. Your followers must see you live the principles you advocate. One of my greatest principles as a leader has been accountability. If funds are raised for a project, they must be used for that project. This culture of discipline ensures trust, efficiency, and long-term impact.
Resource management and leadership responsibility
B&FT: Many leaders struggle with managing resources. How has your background shaped your approach?
AG: Resource management is a critical skill, and background plays a significant role in shaping attitudes toward wealth. I have observed two common extremes:
- The scarcity mindset – Some leaders grew up in poverty, and when they suddenly have access to wealth, they hoard it. Instead of managing resources wisely, they become greedy, seeing leadership as an opportunity to compensate for past struggles.
- The entitlement mindset – Others grew up with privilege and were never taught the value of resources and their optimal utilisation. When entrusted with public funds, they misuse them—lavishing money on luxuries, unaware of the responsibility that comes with wealth.
I avoided these pitfalls by grounding myself in biblical principles: stewardship, accountability, and service. As I mentioned above, whenever resources were entrusted to me, I asked, “What is this meant for?” If funds were designated for a church project, they were used for that project. This mindset has ensured growth, stability, and trust in my leadership. If political and business leaders embraced this approach, our societies would flourish.
Balancing wealth and family values
B&FT: You grew up in financial hardship, but, thankfully, your children did not. How did you balance providing for them while instilling the right values?
AG: Vision and planning were key. When my children started school, my wife and I projected future expenses, particularly University fees. We realised that two of them, the older ones, would be in University at the same time, which would be a financial challenge. To prepare, we started saving five years in advance. We also made strategic sacrifices—postponing non-essential travel, reducing personal comforts, and prioritising education. Yet, beyond financial planning, we were intentional about instilling values. Wealth should not breed entitlement. We taught our children to work hard, respect others, and be grateful.
Most importantly, we trusted God. When God saw our discipline and commitment, doors opened. Opportunities came unexpectedly, ensuring that we could provide for our children without compromising our principles. We carried our children along and they learned these principles very early on.
Lessons from a lifetime of leadership
B&FT: Looking back at your journey—from childhood struggles to global leadership—what is your biggest takeaway?
AG: Three things: vision, discipline, and faith. I come from the humblest of backgrounds. This is very well documented. Faith, coupled with vision and discipline, transformed my story. Today, by God’s grace, I lead a global ministry. Leadership is not about power; it is about responsibility. It is about seeing beyond oneself and committing to a greater cause. When leaders serve with integrity and accountability, they leave a lasting impact.
On leadership and career aspirations
B&FT: If you had not become a pastor, what profession do you think you would have pursued?
AG: That is an interesting question. Looking back, I realise that no matter what path I took, I would have ended up in a profession centered on leadership, guidance, and communication. Leadership is about influencing people, teaching, training, and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Based on these qualities, I can say that I would have been drawn to politics. Politics is all about leading people, helping them harness their resources for development, and shaping national consciousness.
Law would have been another strong possibility. The legal profession involves advocacy, educating people about their rights, and standing for justice—things I naturally gravitate towards. Beyond that, I could have pursued journalism, TV and radio presentation, or programme production. These fields all require a passion for informing, educating, and inspiring the public.
B&FT: You listed several career possibilities, but interestingly, you did not mention preaching—at least not initially.
AG: Exactly! Growing up, I never imagined myself as a preacher. If you had asked me at age 10 or 12 what I wanted to become, I would have confidently said a lawyer or a politician—never a pastor. But when God calls, He finds a way to redirect your steps. In my early years, I experimented with different pursuits but there was always a restlessness within me—an unsettled feeling, as if something was missing. When I finally embraced my true calling as a preacher, I realised that this was the path I had been meant for all along.
Preaching, at its core, is leadership. Every week, pastors stand before their congregation, teaching, inspiring, and shaping minds. They provide guidance on faith, character, and societal responsibility. When I finally surrendered to God’s call, I saw the immense influence that the pulpit offered. Had I realised it earlier, I would have saved myself years of unnecessary struggles and detours.
On the joy of ministry
B&FT: Looking back now, do you have any regrets about choosing this path?
AG: Not at all. The impact I have been able to make as a minister far outweighs any personal ambitions I once had. There is immense joy in seeing lives transformed. Many people who have encountered my ministry while struggling financially or were broken emotionally are now captains of industry, successful entrepreneurs, and respected professionals. These are individuals who, had they not experienced the right teachings and mentorship, might have remained in poverty, depression or mediocrity. Seeing them prosper is one of my greatest joys. Beyond that, as a pastor of a mega-church, I oversee significant resources. I realised early on that these resources could be used to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. That is how our scholarship foundation was born.
On leadership evolution
B&FT: Over the years, your leadership responsibilities have expanded. How has your leadership style evolved?
AG: Leadership evolves with time, experience, and changing circumstances. When I started, I was leading a small group of young students. Our conversations were centered around motivation, hope, and breaking free from limitations. Many of us came from humble backgrounds, so our focus was on overcoming poverty and finding purpose. As we grew—graduating from University, starting families, and taking on careers—our needs shifted. Leadership had to transition from inspiration to institution-building. What started as informal fellowships evolved into structured church services, leadership training programmes, and national impact initiatives.
A key aspect of leadership evolution is succession. That is why we have invested in training younger leaders to take over key responsibilities. Today, Royalhouse Chapel has a presence in 40 Universities across Ghana. These campus ministries are fully managed by the young people we have mentored. I am also encouraged by the leadership growth in my own family. My son, who helps oversee our campus branches and is also currently the Executive Pastor at the Headquarters, has embraced the vision and taken it to new heights. I have no doubt that he will accomplish even greater things than I have.
On staying motivated as a leader
B&FT: Leadership comes with challenges. How do you stay motivated, and how do you keep others inspired?
AG: Motivation is one of the hardest aspects of leadership. There are days when you are battling personal struggles, yet you have to set them aside to encourage others. The key is authenticity. You cannot be a commercial seller of the gospel—preaching principles that you do not live by. If you teach faith, you must practice faith. If you preach about financial discipline, you must manage your resources well. If you tell people that God blesses, you must be able to demonstrate that blessing in your own life.
A pastor should not be poor if he is genuinely practicing what he preaches. The same biblical principles that produce prosperity in business and career also apply to ministers. That is why my church members give generously—because they have seen the results of faith, discipline, and generosity in their own lives.
Final thoughts on leadership and legacy
B&FT: Looking back, what do you hope your legacy will be?
AG: My greatest hope is that I will be remembered as a leader who transformed lives. A leader is not measured by the titles he parades but by the impact he makes. If people can point to their lives and say, “I am where I am today because of this man’s leadership,” then I would have fulfilled my purpose. Beyond my lifetime, I want the work we have started, especially the scholarship foundation, to continue. If we keep investing in people, the transformation will outlive us. That is the true essence of leadership.
Royalhouse Chapel’s Scholarship Foundation
B&FT: You mentioned a scholarship foundation. Could you tell us more about it?
AG: The Royalhouse Chapel Scholarship Foundation was established in 1998 with a simple mission: to provide financial assistance to students who could not afford to continue their education. Initially, we started small, sponsoring just four students. But as the church grew, so did our capacity to help. We increased the number to 10, then 12, and eventually 150 students per year. Over the past 27 years, more than 3,000 students have received financial support for their education through this initiative.
B&FT: That is remarkable. And it is not limited to just church members?
AG: No, it is not. While we support many Royalhouse members, the foundation is open to non-members as well. There are cases where headmasters and school authorities have approached us on behalf of students in desperate need. We have helped students from across the country, including those from rural areas who had no prior connection to the church.
For example, a few years ago when there was no Free SHS intervention, students from Somanya Secondary School, and Ghana National SHS (GHANATA), among a few others applied for scholarships through their school administrators. These were students who, due to financial hardship, were on the verge of dropping out. We stepped in to support them, and today, they are professionals contributing to society. We have also sponsored students who have gone on to become medical doctors. One notable case is my son Dr. Justice, the only doctor in his entire district in the Upper East Region of Ghana. When we began sponsoring him, he was not a church member; his school simply applied on his behalf. Today, he is a practicing doctor, serving his community.
Why education matters
B&FT: What inspired you to make education such a priority?
AG: Leadership is not just about casting vision—it is about transforming lives. If you interact with people and leave them unchanged, then your leadership has failed. I have a personal connection to the struggles of education. As a child, I fasted for a week to receive a scholarship because I knew that without one, I would not be able to go to secondary school. That experience shaped me. It made me realise the power of educational opportunities, and I committed to ensuring that others would not have to struggle the way I did.
Beyond personal experience, I also believe that the church should be a place of change and transformation. Many of society’s leaders—politicians, doctors, business executives—come from the church. If the church cannot invest in raising future leaders, then how can we expect to see positive change in our nation? That is why, even in my will, I have instructed my lawyers to set aside a portion of my investments to continue funding the scholarship foundation long after I am gone.
On Ghana’s economic challenges
B&FT: The Ghanaian economy has been facing significant challenges. What is your perspective on the situation?
AG: It is no secret that our economy has been struggling. The indicators are clear: our currency continues to depreciate against major foreign currencies like the U.S. dollar, the British pound, and the euro. Prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed, and inflation remains high. My wife and I keep track of household expenses, and we have seen firsthand how the cost of food and essential items has risen dramatically—sometimes by 20, 30, or even 50 percent within just a year or two. These economic realities place immense pressure on ordinary citizens.
Unemployment is another major concern. Many of our young people are leaving Ghana in search of greener pastures because they feel there are no viable opportunities for them here. The fact that they are willing to take such risks speaks volumes about the economic mismanagement we have experienced. The Bank of Ghana, our central financial institution, recently reported significant deficits running into the hundreds of billions of cedis. This instability makes it difficult for businesses to thrive and for the economy to grow sustainably.
But despite all this, I believe there is hope.
On political unity and national development
B&FT: What do you see as the way forward?
AG: First, we must recognize that leadership matters. In the Bible, 2 Kings chapter 7 tells us about a time of great famine, where the prophet Elisha declared, “By this time tomorrow, there will be abundance.” And indeed, God intervened. Likewise, economic transformation is possible, but it requires a shift in mindset. We recently had a change in government, and I urge Ghanaians to allow the new administration to implement their policies. We embraced the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia leadership, and now it is time to allow the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang government with fresh ideas to take charge.
Unfortunately, in Ghana, our biggest challenge is political division. We are so polarised by party affiliations that when one party is in power, the opposition does everything possible to sabotage their efforts. This cycle of destruction must stop. Once elections are over, we must come together as Ghanaians to focus on national progress. We should convene at the “Ghana Table”, not the NPP or NDC table, but a national platform where we discuss issues.
The role of the private sector in economic recovery
B&FT: How should the government go about revamping the economy?
AG: The key lies in empowering the private sector. The government has no business doing business. Its role should be to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.
Two major things need to happen:
- Strengthening the private sector – Entrepreneurs must be given the resources and support they need to succeed.
- Attracting investors – Foreign and local investors should see Ghana as an attractive destination for business.
To make Ghana appealing to foreign direct investment, we must tackle corruption. Currently, investors face numerous hurdles—bureaucracy, bribery and inefficiencies. If every business transaction requires a bribe for approval, investors will look elsewhere. And in the digital age, word spreads fast. When a foreign investor is asked for a bribe, they go back and post about it on social media. Soon, Ghana earns a reputation as a corrupt country, and we drop further on global corruption indexes. So, if we want investment, we must create a transparent, business-friendly environment.
Free education and sustainable policies
B&FT: What are your thoughts on the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy?
AG: Education should be accessible, but sustainability is crucial. The current Free SHS policy has challenges—delayed government funds, struggling schools, and resource constraints.
I propose a hybrid model:
- Parents who can afford to pay should be allowed to do so, freeing up resources for those in need.
- A structured quota system—perhaps 60 percent fee-paying and 40 percent scholarship—ensuring that those who truly need support receive it.
- Day school options for students whose parents cannot afford boarding fees
Some Universities already use a similar model, where some students pay full tuition while others receive government subsidies. This ensures financial stability while maintaining accessibility.
On religious harmony and interfaith collaboration
B&FT: Ghana is religiously diverse. How can the church foster interfaith dialogue and collaboration?
AG: Ghana has long been a model of religious tolerance. Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists have coexisted peacefully for decades. We must continue to respect each other’s faiths, boundaries and values. We have seen religious leaders—Christian, Muslim, and traditional—come together on critical national issues. A great example was during the passage of the Family Values Bill, where all major religious groups united to advocate for moral standards in society.
There are more things that unite us than divide us:
- We all want to eliminate poverty
- We all want to fight corruption
- We all want strong moral values in society
- We all want national development
If we focus on these common goals rather than our differences, Ghana will remain a beacon of religious harmony.
The future of the Church in Ghana
B&FT: Having witnessed the evolution of the church over the last 40-plus years, what is your vision for the church in Ghana?
AG: The church is one of the most powerful tools for national transformation. Historically, religious institutions have played a major role in education, healthcare and social services. Look at the contributions of the Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist and Anglican churches. They built several basic and secondary schools. Then there are the Pentecostal Universities like Central University, Pentecost University and Methodist University.
However, the modern church in Ghana faces challenges. There has been an explosion of self-proclaimed prophets, apostles, and bishops—many of whom lack proper training, theological grounding and ethical standards. Some exploit their congregations, engaging in financial scams, sexual misconduct and other immoral acts. This is not the true calling of the church. The church must be a source of light. It should offer hope, develop leaders, and provide solutions. I want to see a church that partners with the government to:
- Improve education
- Create jobs
- Provide healthcare
- Develop ethical and responsible citizens
If we align our activities with the Word of God, sound doctrine, and ethical leadership, the church will continue to be a force for good.
On taxing churches
B&FT: There has been ongoing debate about whether churches should be taxed. Given their significant financial activities, do you believe it is time for Ghana to introduce taxation on religious institutions?
AG: No, churches should not be taxed. By their very nature, churches are not-for-profit organisations. Their primary role is to serve communities through spiritual guidance, education, healthcare, and social interventions, not to generate commercial revenue. Look at the historical contributions of churches in Ghana—the Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church, Anglican Church, Methodist Church, and others have built some of the country’s most reputable schools and hospitals.
Many of these institutions charge far less than private entities or operate completely free services, providing education and healthcare to those who might otherwise not afford them. Even today, churches continue to run scholarship programmes, food aid initiatives, and community development projects, all of which directly benefit society. Beyond that, we must also consider fairness. The members of a church are ordinary citizens who already pay taxes on their incomes. If churches were taxed, it would effectively mean taxing people twice—once on their salaries and then again on the contributions they make to their faith communities. That would be double taxation, which is not justifiable.
That said, I do believe in accountability. Churches must be transparent about how they manage resources and ensure that funds are used to support charitable and developmental causes, not for personal enrichment. But taxation is not the answer. Instead, the government and religious organisations should collaborate to address national challenges, just as churches have always done in education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Royalhouse Chapel’s contributions to education and healthcare
B&FT: Does Royalhouse Chapel have plans to establish educational or healthcare institutions?
AG: We have already started in a small way, and we are trusting God to expand our impact.
Healthcare Initiatives: We run a free medical clinic on Sundays for church members. Volunteer doctors and nurses offer free check-ups, diagnose ailments, and provide medical advice. Conditions like hypertension, malaria, typhoid, and cholera are treated regularly. Our long-term vision is to expand this into a full-fledged hospital operating 24/7.
Education initiatives: We run a theological and leadership school—Christian Leadership College—affiliated with Trinity Theological Seminary. In the future, we hope to turn it into a full-fledged University. We also organise free vacation classes for students from Class 3 to SHS 3. Trained teachers, who are on break from their regular schools, volunteer to teach, and the church covers their transport and meals. This has been ongoing for many years.
Shiloh project: We own a 100-acre property called City of Shiloh, where we plan to build educational institutions with boarding facilities. Currently, 20 acres have been developed, and we trust that, in time, this vision will be fully realised.
Final thoughts on leadership and national development
B&FT: What is your final message to Ghanaians?
AG: Leadership is about service, accountability, and vision. If we want Ghana to move forward, we must abandon the cycle of political division and work together as one people. We must also strengthen our institutions—churches, businesses and government—so that they serve the common good. Above all, we must embrace integrity. Whether in politics, business, or ministry, we should act with honesty and responsibility. When we do this, Ghana will prosper.
B&FT: Thank you, Apostle General, for sharing these insights.
AG: My pleasure. May God bless Ghana and its inhabitants.
