By Patrick Biddah
The country’s leaders, have been called upon to demonstrate integrity in the governance process, in order to make the public office an enviable place for high repute.
This, according to the Institute for Christian Impact, can be achieved when unadulterated Christian values are imbibed in the leaders who will have no choice than to exhibit integrity at every sphere of the governance delivery process.
At a consultative dialogue session to solicit the inputs of Christians towards achieving integrity in governance, all speakers were resolved that Christians in leadership must at all times live by the tenets of their values.
Organized by Institute For Christian Impact which is a non denominational Christian enterprisecommitted to upholding Biblical truth in the public sphere, the dialogue was under the theme: “ What Shall We Do ? The Challenge Of Integrity In Governance and The Responsibility Of Christian Citizens “
Speaking at the dialogue, the Director of Programmes for the Anglican Diocese of Accra , Rev Akua Ofori- Boateng, was of the view that Christians must endeavour to provide checks and balances to those in government.
According to her, it is by so doing that an effective integrity can be seen of our leaders because the leaders will be mindful of those checking them.
For her, the issue of integrity must first start with individuals in their private life before it can be exhibit when in public office.
“In all of these, Christians should be bold to participate in governance and if it has to be taking up political roles “, she added.
On his part, the President of the International Student Ministries of Canada, Dr.Yaw Perbi, did not mince words when he said parliamentarians do not make sensible laws.
The outspoken medical doctor and author of many books, also indicated that it is only when the leaders are transform that is when they can get to use their positions to transform the nation.
“ You cannot imagine that even GRA officials who are entrusted with the power to collect taxes for the nation will connive with business owners to rob the state of the required revenue “, he lamented.
When he took his turn, the General Manager for Citi Tv and Citi Fm, Mr Bernard Avle, touched on the taxi driver who returned an amount of Ghc8,000 which was left in his car.
He said that should be the norm, but because the values of Christians are lost on many people the action by the taxi driver is being hailed by many .
“ Good examples are few that is why the behavior by the taxi driver is being celebrated and seen as exceptional “, he pointed out.
For him, as a Journalist who is led by the truth and Christian values , anytime they expose people for their wrong doing should not be taken as though they hate the leaders, but it is because their loyalty is to the citizens and the truth which they must pursue.
Last Thursday’s dialogue which was chaired by the head pastor of the Light and Salt church, Rev Joyce Aryee, was opened to the participants who asked questions. There were online participants as well.
In his welcome address earlier on, the Executive Director of the Institute for Christian Impact, Rev .Dr Femi Adeleye, stressed that the territorial integrity of every nation is built on the church which is why pastors should at times instill truth and word of God to their congregants.
Christians in Africa, he said have a purpose which is among others is to fulfil the goals of God.
