Church must speak against corruption, says Ghana's Vice President

Ghana's Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called upon churches to serve as active partners in national development, emphasizing their crucial role in promoting integrity, social responsibility, and peaceful coexistence. Speaking at the 90th Anniversary Lecture of Accra Ridge Church, she urged faith-based organizations to maintain their support for vital sectors like education, healthcare, and youth development.

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She urged faith-based organisations to continue supporting key sectors such as education, healthcare and youth development, while speaking out boldly against corruption, injustice and abuse, regardless of which political party is in power.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang specifically implored churches to "speak out boldly against corruption, injustice and abuse, regardless of which political party is in power." She highlighted the historical significance of faith-based institutions in Ghana's progress, noting their foundational contributions to building schools, hospitals, and community support systems long before many public institutions existed.

Recognizing evolving societal needs, the Vice President encouraged churches to continually reassess their impact. She stressed that the Church's strength lies in its collaborative potential with public institutions, particularly in underserved communities. Therefore, she advocated for continued support for quality education that instills integrity, improved healthcare delivery in remote areas, strengthened prison and rehabilitation programs, and greater investment in youth welfare.

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The Church should speak consistently against corruption, injustice, abuse, environmental destruction and the erosion of public trust, regardless of which political party is in power.

"The Church should speak consistently against corruption, injustice, abuse, environmental destruction and the erosion of public trust, regardless of which political party is in power," Professor Opoku-Agyemang reiterated. She also emphasized that national transformation hinges on peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and cultural groups, attributing Ghana's enduring peace to leaders prioritizing cooperation and national interest over division and personal gain. The Vice President urged the Church to address contemporary challenges such as youth unemployment, mental health, environmental degradation, declining ethical standards, and weakening social responsibility.

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Ghana’s peace and stability had endured over the years because leaders had chosen cooperation over division and placed national interest above personal or political differences.