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Church must remain independent and speak on principle, not politics — Vice President
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Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on the Church to protect its moral authority by remaining independent of partisan politics and consistently speaking out against corruption, injustice and abuse, regardless of which political party is in power.
She made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Accra Ridge Church’s 90th Anniversary Lecture II in Accra on Wednesday July 15, 2026.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that the Church’s guidance to government should go beyond the tenure of any administration and should not be influenced by political party interests.
“The Church’s counsel to government must outlast any single administration or party colour. Speak on principle, not on partisanship,” she said.
According to her, the Church risks losing public trust if it becomes closely aligned with any political party.
She noted that corruption, injustice and abuse should always concern the Church, irrespective of which government is in office.
The Vice President also encouraged religious leaders to know when to offer private advice to government and when to speak publicly on national issues.
“Wisdom lies in knowing which moment calls for which voice,” she stated.
She added that government must also avoid seeking the Church’s approval simply to gain public support instead of accepting constructive criticism.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further highlighted Ghana’s religious diversity, describing the country’s peaceful coexistence among Christians, Muslims, traditionalists and people of other beliefs as one of its greatest strengths.
She said generations of leaders had preserved this harmony by choosing cooperation over division and by putting the national interest first.
The Vice President added that protecting free and fair elections, upholding the rule of law, defending freedom of conscience and safeguarding vulnerable people are national responsibilities that should never be treated as partisan issues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and face the legal processes surrounding the investigations involving him.
Speaking on the process of extraditing fugitives during his Resetting Ghana Tour in the Volta Region today, Mr. Mahama explained that bringing a person back from another country is a legal matter that must follow international procedures and respect the rights of the individual.
He noted that extradition can only take place if Ghana has an extradition treaty with the country where the individual is staying.
According to him, the requesting country must file an application, after which the person has the right to challenge the request before a judge.
“The person has the right to take a lawyer, go before a judge, and if he doesn’t want to come, he can argue against coming,” the President stated.
Mr. Mahama disclosed that the Attorney General’s Department has already filed an extradition application and is submitting additional documents requested by the relevant authorities.
He added that the matter will eventually be determined by an American judge, who will decide whether Mr. Ofori-Atta should be returned to Ghana.
The President appealed directly to the former Finance Minister to return voluntarily.
Recalling events during Mr. Ofori-Atta’s tenure in office, Mr. Mahama referred to a period when more than 80 Members of Parliament from the then governing New Patriotic Party called for his removal.
He noted that the former minister had responded by saying he was like a father who could not abandon his children.
Drawing on that statement, the President urged him to come back to Ghana.
“We are begging you, Father, come back. Your children are calling you to come back,” Mr. Mahama remarked.
He questioned why someone who believes he has done nothing wrong would leave the country, adding that the legal process should be allowed to take its course.
Mr. Mahama, however, stressed that the matter remains before the courts and will proceed according to the law.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the mandate given to him by Ghanaians is for one term, adding that his administration is focused on delivering on the promises made to the people.
Speaking during his ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, President Mahama addressed the issue of the ongoing debate over a possible third term, the President maintained that his priority is to fulfil his campaign commitments rather than speculate about another term in office.
“The people of Ghana gave me a mandate for one term, and I am working hard to meet the promises I made them,” he stated. He added that he constantly reminds his ministers to “number our days” so they remain focused on delivering results before the end of their time in office.
Mr. Mahama acknowledged that some individuals have gone to the Supreme Court to seek an interpretation of the constitutional provisions governing the tenure of the President.
He indicated that seeking the court’s interpretation is within their rights but expressed the view that the constitutional provision is already clear.
“If you ask my personal opinion, I believe it is clear. I’ve read it several times, and it says exactly what it means,” the President remarked.
He reiterated that, in his view, Ghanaians have given him one additional term and stressed that he intends to use that period to honour the trust placed in him by the electorate.
By: Jacob Aggrey
