Casting Stones Has Consequences’: Duncan‑Williams Fires Back at Critics

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan‑Williams, founder of Action Chapel International, has brushed off sharp critiques from both Jon Benjamin—former British High Commissioner to Ghana—and Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC), Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). In a July 7 interview with Channel One TV, the revered clergyman said he has learned, after nearly five decades in ministry, that “people who live by attacking others rarely end well.”

A Measured Reply After 47 Years of Ministry

“This marks my 47th year in ministry, and I have witnessed the outcome of individuals like that… People shouldn’t think they can undermine others without consequences.”
— Archbishop Duncan‑Williams

He added that he has become accustomed to media “distortions” and personal attacks, insisting that criticism without self‑reflection often rebounds on the accuser.

A Biblical Warning Against Hypocrisy

Invoking John 8:1‑11, the Archbishop reminded his audience that those eager to condemn should first examine themselves:

“When the woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus, He said, ‘Let the one without sin cast the first stone.’ One by one they dropped their stones and left.”

Duncan‑Williams cautioned that accusing fingers inevitably point back at the accuser, underscoring his belief that “there are always consequences for assigning blame.”

What Sparked the Back‑and‑Forth?

• Jon Benjamin’s critique:
  The former diplomat accused the Archbishop of “lavish living funded by church donations,” even claiming he once saw Duncan‑Williams reserve an entire British Airways first‑class cabin for family holidays.
• Abronye DC’s allegation:
  The regional NPP chairman suggested the Archbishop is quietly aiding the Mahama administration in a bid to secure a “third term” for President John Dramani Mahama—an assertion the NPP hierarchy has publicly dismissed.

Context: The National Day of Prayer Remarks

During Ghana’s inaugural National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on July 1, Duncan‑Williams expressed a hope that Ghanaians would one day travel abroad only for leisure, not economic survival. Benjamin pounced on that remark, linking it to what he sees as the pastor’s own opulent lifestyle.

The Takeaway

Archbishop Duncan‑Williams’ response was brief but pointed:

“I prefer not to dwell on it. I’ve seen how these stories end over the years.”

Whether the controversy fizzles out or escalates, one thing is clear: after 47 years in ministry, the Archbishop says he is unshaken by public attacks—and he believes karma has a long memory.

What’s your view? Are the criticisms fair—or does the Archbishop have a point about the perils of casting stones? Join the conversation below.