Deputy Minister rallies support of Christian leaders for National Sanitation Day programme

The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has called for the support of Christian religious leaders in the National Sanitation Day programme set aside by the government to clean communities across the country.

That, she said, was because cleanliness was both physical and spiritual.

"I also seek your support for the activities planned for National Sanitation Day.

The government has declared the first Saturday of every month as National Sanitation Day—a time set aside for us to clean our immediate environment. 

Exercise 

"By leading this exercise, GPCC will show that reflecting Christ means caring for both soul and soil, reminding us that cleanliness is both physical and spiritual," she said.

Ms Sowah said this last Wednesday at the 2026 Heads of Churches and Organisations Conference of the GPCC at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region.

The event was on the theme: "Reflecting Christ"

The gathering, she said, reflected a shared commitment to unity and demonstrates the churches’ unwavering dedication to strengthening the moral and spiritual life of communities. 

Change

In times of rapid change and societal challenges, she said such moments offered "us the opportunity to pause, reconnect and seek renewed wisdom. Your influence extends beyond the pulpit into homes, workplaces and public life."

She said the theme was both timely and inspiring.

"Prayer is the anchor of our faith, the weapon in our spiritual battles and the foundation of our moral strength.

Drawn from Matthew 5:16, the theme carries timeless significance: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven," she said.

The deputy minister said the scripture reminded Christians that their lives and leadership were meant to illuminate, uplift and inspire. 

Reflection

Ms Sowah said "to reflect Christ is to embody humility, integrity, compassion and truth. It is to shine as a light in moments of uncertainty, a source of encouragement in times of despair and an instrument of peace amid strife."

She said as the country experienced renewal in its economy and spirit, Christians were called to let their light shine—not only in worship, but in service to communities.

"This year, the president will lead the second edition of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on July 1, 2026. I invite you to join His Excellency and the government in thanking God for His mercies upon this country and for the economic turnaround achieved in just a year.

Your voices, lifted in prayer, will echo across the nation and remind us that gratitude is the seed of greater blessing," she said.

Of late, she said, "we have begun receiving petitions from churches and faith-based organisations regarding leadership changes. Leadership transitions are moments of renewal.

Let us ensure they are guided by transparency and unity so the church remains a beacon of stability, not division."

Collaborate

She said the ministry will continue to collaborate with the GPCC to strengthen communities and secure the moral and spiritual foundations of the country for generations to come.

For his part, the President of the GPCC, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, charged the leaders to pursue God for strength and vitality.

"We need Him more desperately for survival because we are in the business to save ourselves, as well as the hearers. Our strength comes from nowhere; our ability, our ability to deliver comes from Him," he emphasised.

Again, he said hard work was good, but doing that without operating from God's perspective could be wasted efforts.

He said superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is the problem we have in our time," he said.

In a devotion, the First Vice President of the GPCC, Bishop Gordon Kisseh, said, among other things, that Christians were called to be faithful.