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Crime and immorality would be worse without the Church – Mahama
President John Mahama has addressed growing concerns over the increasing levels of crime and immorality in Ghana, even though over 90% of the population identifies as religious.
He emphasised that while these issues remain a challenge, the presence of the Church has played a significant role in curbing them, arguing that the situation could be far worse without its moral influence.
Speaking to the clergy in Kumasi on Sunday, President Mahama refuted claims that religion has failed to shape moral values in the country.
He asserted that, contrary to such arguments, the Church has been instrumental in guiding society.
“There is an often-heard argument that while more than 90% of Ghanaians profess to be persons of faith, immorality and crime are on the rise. My answer to those who make this argument is that the situation would probably have been far worse if there were no Church,” he remarked.
He further explained that the Church serves as a moral compass, shaping the behaviour of individuals and communities. Without its presence, he warned, society would risk plunging into chaos.
“Imagine a scenario where there was no Church, and people could act without any moral restraint. The situation would undoubtedly be worse. The churches are doing their best, and their efforts must be acknowledged,” he added.
President Mahama also stressed the importance of unity among Christian denominations, cautioning that divisions within the Church diminish its influence.
He noted that a fractured Christian community weakens the collective voice of faith leaders in addressing national issues.
“It is essential to emphasise the importance of fostering unity among Christian denominations. A divided Church weakens its impact,” he stated
He concluded by urging churches to work together in promoting national development and moral discipline.
“But a united Church can transform society. Let us work together to build a vibrant and influential Christian community that speaks with one voice on issues of national development,” he said, reinforcing his call for cooperation among religious bodies.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has defended the conduct of the Minority in Parliament during Tuesday’s chaotic sitting, insisting their actions were to protect what they believe is a violation of parliamentary procedure.
Explaining the incident, he said the Minority was reacting to developments surrounding a letter which allegedly directed that a seat belonging to the MP for Kpandai be declared vacant despite an earlier ruling by the Speaker.
He argued that the Speaker’s ruling should stand unless overturned by a competent court, and described the sudden reversal as shocking and against parliamentary precedent.
Mr Ahmed said the Minority only attempted to make a statement to register their displeasure, but tensions rose when the Majority Leader insisted on responding instead of commenting, which he said was against the rules.
He also denied claims that Minority MPs crossed the aisle, stressing that they remained within their side and only sought the Speaker’s attention.
He further complained that during proceedings, the Mace—the symbol of authority in the House—was not present and Minority microphones were disconnected, making the process one-sided.
He said the caucus intends to continue pushing to ensure that the MP for Kpandai retains his seat, adding that their next steps will be strategic.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Mahama has stated that it is too early for anyone to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) despite recent controversies surrounding the institution.
He argued that the office remains an important part of Ghana’s fight against corruption.
He explained that government is strengthening anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the OSP, noting that the OSP is the only agency with the power to independently prosecute cases without going through the Attorney General.
President Mahama said many people distrust the Attorney General’s office because it is headed by a government minister, and some fear it may be slow to prosecute its own.
He believes an independent body like the OSP offers stronger accountability, regardless of who is involved.
He admitted that citizens want to see more prosecutions and visible results, but urged the public to give the OSP time.
He encouraged the office to speed up its investigations to show that it remains relevant in the fight against corruption.
By: Jacob Aggrey
