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Embrace humility, justice, peace at Christmas
Senior members of Ghana’s clergy have called on Christians and the nation to embrace humility, justice, peace, and responsible stewardship of the environment.
In his Christmas message, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson K. Asamoah-Gyadu, urged Christians to move beyond ritual celebration and live out their faith through integrity, compassion, and service to humanity.
Reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ, he emphasised that Christmas reminds believers of the mystery of the Incarnation—God taking human form in humility and sacrificial love. Quoting Philippians 2:5–7, he noted that Christ’s humility should be the model for Christian living, stressing that true greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in service.
The Presiding Bishop expressed concern about growing selfishness, injustice, and social division in society, and called on Christians to share what they have, act fairly, and uphold human dignity.
He also condemned the destructive effects of ‘galamsey,’ describing it as a threat to the environment and the future of coming generations. He urged believers to reject activities that harm creation and to support sustainable livelihoods.
Touching on rising political tension and social conflict, Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu called on Christians to be peacemakers in their homes, communities, and the nation. He prayed for the peace of Christ to reign in Ghana and encouraged all to let the light of Christ guide their conduct.
Similarly, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, described Christmas as God’s decisive intervention in human history and a reminder of salvation made available to all through Christ.
He noted that Ghana stands at a critical crossroads and must confront challenges such as illegal mining, environmental degradation, youth moral decline, unemployment, and corruption. The Moderator pledged the Presbyterian Church’s support for national efforts aimed at integrity, justice, and shared prosperity.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye called on government to show strong political will in eradicating ‘galamsey’ and urged Parliament, the Judiciary, the media, and civil society to uphold the rule of law and protect the national interest. He also encouraged Christians to be “salt and light,” living lives of justice, mercy, and humility.
Both church leaders prayed for peace in Ghana, Africa, and the world, and wished all Ghanaians a blessed and Christ-filled Christmas.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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The family of Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, a distinguished statesman and diplomat, has paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama. They officially informed him of his passing.
The delegation, representing the Gbeho family, noted that it was culturally and diplomatically important to formally notify the President of the loss before making a public announcement of his death.
Ambassador Gbeho was a towering figure in Ghanaian and international politics. He served in many diplomatic missions, including New York. He was Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, a Member of Parliament for the Anlo constituency, and President (formerly Executive Secretary) of the ECOWAS Commission.
He was widely respected for his role in regional integration and his contributions to global diplomacy at the United Nations.
President Mahama expressed his condolences and shared reflections on Ambassador Gbeho’s contributions to the country, West Africa and the world.
Funeral details will be announced later.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has revoked all firearm permits in Ghana with immediate effect and announced a new registration process for all gun owners.
The minister made the announcement on Tuesday, June 23, at the information service department saying all individuals who currently hold licences to own firearms or sidearms must undergo a fresh registration process.
“From this afternoon, all permits that have been granted to any individual that you are holding a sidearm or firearm is hereby revoked,” Mr Muntaka said.
He explained that the government had identified gaps in the country’s firearm registration system and needed to introduce stricter measures to improve public safety.
“We are opening the window where everyone will have to come forward again to register or re-register the gun because we’ve changed the procedure,” he stated.
According to him, the government decided not to wait until the end of the year to make the changes because lives could still be saved within the next six months.
The Interior Minister said one of the new requirements would be mandatory mental health screening for applicants seeking firearm licences.
“We’ve seen that people with mental health have already gone through and have the sidearm. Now we are introducing mental health. Before we give you the sidearm, we have to be sure that you have the mental stability to hold the firearms,” he said.
Mr Muntaka also announced that applicants would be required to undergo drug tests before being granted licences.
“We’ve also realised that people who are on drugs are also holding their arms and they are legitimate because it’s been registered. Now you have to go through drug tests to be sure that you are not on drugs before you can hold sidearms,” he added.
The minister said the new measures form part of efforts by the government to tighten firearm control and prevent legally registered weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
He urged all firearm owners to cooperate with the new registration process once details of the exercise are announced.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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