Partake in political discourse on national development - Clergy urged
The managing director of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, has urged the clergy to take part in political discussions on national development.
Advertisement
He has also underscored the need for Christian leaders to encourage their congregations and the public to pay their taxes to ensure that the government obtained the resources needed to undertake development projects.
Mr Ashigbey made the call when he spoke on the second day of the Wesleyan Revival Crusade organised by the Methodist Church, Ghana (MCG) in Accra last Thursday.
He said the resources of the country were meant to be distributed to benefit all classes of people and stressed that there was, therefore, the need for their prudent management through dynamic leadership, in the interest of the nation.
Mr Ashigbey, whose presentation was on the theme, “The Leadership Role of the Modern-Day Christian”, focused on three thematic areas; leaders as servants, shepherds and stewards.
He observed that the diversity in culture, economic differences, education and improved access to modern technology made the society more complex and called for dynamic leaders to propel the growth of the country.
“I urge you to demand accountability and responsibility from leaders, especially during this year’s elections. People seeking positions of authority through elections ought to tell us their stance on gay rights, which has been an issue of great concern,” he said.
Eschew corrupt practices
Mr Ashigbey urged the clergy to make the education of their congregations to eschew corrupt tendencies and live in accordance with the example set by Jesus Christ a priority.
Other Trending Stories
He quoted scriptures from Mathew 5:42 and Mathew 25:34-39 to support his call for Christian leaders and the public to strive to show love and support the poor and needy.
“Jesus invited tax collectors, prostitutes and outcasts to come to him. Leaders ought to establish good relationships with all manner of people through effective communication,” he stated.
Mr Ashigbey said the use of abusive language, insults, and the untoward demeanour of some clergy men were not in tune with godly leadership and that such bad lots ought to be avoided.
Other speakers
The Methodist Bishop of the Winneba Diocese, Rt. Rev. John K. Buabeng-Odoom, said it was important for leaders to upgrade their knowledge and be abreast of current issues to be able to make informed decisions.
He urged leaders to be humble, resourceful and proactive to be able to provide visionary leadership for their followers.
The Founder of Brainwave Consult, Dr Betina Ama Boohene, who spoke on the topic, “Mentoring the Christian Youth: A New Era”, called for practical mentorship as the way forward to instil Christian values and principles in the youth to make them better future leaders.
“Leaders must mentor young ones to eschew complacency and procrastination, and teach them to have the fear of God as their guiding principle,” she said.
For his part, the Managing Director of Asmeri Energy, Nigeria, Miss Faith Ajiroghene Augustine, said leadership began from the home and urged parents to provide a conducive atmosphere for leadership development at home.