By Editorial Desk
Ghana, once a celebrated country as an oasis of peace, stability and democratic maturity in West Africa now stands at a precarious crossroads.
Historically the nation relied on its revered clergymen and traditional authorities to serve as the moral compass and the ultimate mediators in times of national tension.
However a disturbing trend emerge as those charged with the responsibilities of fostering unity are increasingly becoming architects of division under the guise of democratic expression.
This growing concerns was brought to fore by Apostle Kwaku Appiah, the Head Pastor of the Faith Outreach Ministries at Oforikrom in the Ashanti Region.
In an exclusive interview the Correspondent, the respected man of God questioned the future of “Mother Ghana” if the current climate of hypocrisy and political sycophancy among influential leaders continues unchecked.
The Rise of the Stomach Pastor and Politicized Chiefs:
Apostle Appiah did not mince words when he was addressing the erosion of professional ethics.
The Apostle observed that many high profile men of God have abandoned their spiritual mandate and instead acting as political provocateurs just because of bread and butter amidst personal gains.
Their interests and proximity to power over the gospel of truth have been a trade mark on their pulpits for political propaganda, Apostle Appiah stressed
When clergymen join the fray of partisan mudslinging they lose the moral authority to call politicians to order, Apostle Appiah noted.
The concern extends to some traditional rulers who have likewise placed their cultural neutrality on the chopping block.
The reiterated that by aligning themselves overtly with political factions, these chiefs often alienate segments of their own communities and turn traditional stools which should be stools of unity nto platforms for political maneuvers.
The Dangerous Silence of Ethics:
The Apostle also turned his attention to the media noting that when journalists discard their professional ethics in favor of sensationalism and political bias, the foundation of national discourse begins to crumble.
If politicians trade in insults without shame we look to the church and the palace to be the voices of reason.
But when the pastor and the chief become the primary sources of conflict, who is left to bridge the divide, Apostle Kwaku Appiah questioned.
According to humble servant of God there is a prevalent misguided belief among some leaders that making hollow and partisan noise on public platforms will earn them favors from the government of the day.
They fail to realize that in their quest for short term personal gains they are treading on a dangerous path that creates deep and systemic divisions among the Ghanaian citizenry.
A Call for a Shift in Mindset:
Apostle Appiah indicated that the consequence of this trend is dire because when the country faces a critical challenges that require bipartisan and nationalistic solutions, the environment had instead already poisoned by the very people who are expected to steer the ship toward peace.
Apostle Kwaku Appiah’s message is clear: It is time to return to our lanes.
The Apostle therefore called for a radical change in mindset. He urged all stakeholders to stop the hypocrisy and adopt a stance of neutrality that seeks the greater good of the country rather than personal advancement.
