Power, responsibility and the common good
The strong admonition by the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, against the abuse of power could not have come at a more relevant time.
Delivered at the solemn setting of Parliament’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, his message transcended the celebration of Christmas and spoke directly to the conscience of leadership in Ghana—political, corporate, institutional and domestic (See front page).
Abuse of power, as Rev. Wengam rightly noted, is often driven by selfish ambition, which includes the quest for wealth, influence, promotion or dominance.
History shows that when power is detached from morality, it becomes destructive.
From the tyranny of despotic rulers to the collapse of once-great empires, abuse of authority has repeatedly led to instability, injustice and eventual decline.
The Roman Empire, which Rev. Wengam referenced, stands as a classic example.
It was undermined not by the lack of power or resources, but by deep moral decay that weakened its institutions and social fabric.
Leadership, at every level, carries a moral duty.
Political leaders are entrusted with public power not for personal gain, but for service. When authority is used to silence dissent, marginalise opponents or advance partisan interests at the expense of the common good, trust in governance erodes.
This loss of trust often breeds apathy, resistance and, in extreme cases, unrest — outcomes that undermine national development.
The Daily Graphic notes that abuse of power is not confined to politics.
In workplaces, managers who intimidate, exploit, or unfairly treat subordinates stifle innovation and productivity.
Fear-driven environments discourage creativity and loyalty, leading to high staff turnover and low efficiency.
In the corporate world, unethical leadership, which is manifested through corruption, favouritism or abuse of authority, damages brand reputation and investor confidence.
Over time, such practices weaken businesses and negatively affect the wider economy through reduced investment and job losses.
Equally troubling is the abuse of power within homes. Leadership in the family, whether by parents or spouses, must be exercised with responsibility, love and restraint.
When authority in the home turns into control, violence or neglect, the consequences are long-lasting.
Broken homes often produce broken lives, affecting social cohesion and placing additional strain on national support systems.
Rev. Wengam’s emphasis on reconciliation, both vertical with God and horizontal with fellow human beings, offers a pathway out of this cycle.
Leaders who are reconciled to moral values are more likely to act with humility, fairness and accountability.
Obedience to laws, respect for institutions and regard for human dignity are not signs of weakness, but of strength rooted in ethical conviction.
The benefits of eschewing abuse of power are profound. Ethical leadership fosters trust, and trust is the currency of stable societies and thriving economies.
When citizens trust their leaders, they are more willing to cooperate with policies, pay taxes and contribute productively to national development.
In the business sector, ethical leadership attracts investment, enhances employee morale and drives sustainable growth.
Investors are drawn to environments where the rule of law prevails, and power is exercised transparently.
Conversely, the consequences of inaction in the face of abuse can be just as damaging as the abuse itself.
Leaders who remain silent when wrongdoing occurs become complicit, allowing injustice to fester.
History is replete with examples where silence enabled atrocities, corruption and systemic collapse.
Moral courage, therefore, demands not only refraining from abuse but actively confronting it.
Rev. Wengam’s caution to security agencies and state institutions to protect human rights further underscores the point that power must always be exercised with restraint and responsibility. Security without respect for human dignity breeds fear, not peace.
As Ghana reflects on this message, the Daily Graphic urges leaders at all levels to examine their actions and inaction.
We caution that although power is temporary, its impact can be enduring, either for good or ill.
We think that eschewing abuse of power is both a moral suggestion and a national necessity.
By choosing ethical leadership, our country can strengthen its institutions, nurture social harmony and lay a firm foundation for sustainable economic progress.
