Ghanaians Must Priorities National Interest, Says Apostle Nyamekye

According to him, the nation will not experience steady, progressive development so long as its citizens, especially those in leadership positions, continue to pursue their personal interests at the expense of the nation.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Apostle Eric Nyamekye

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Apostle Eric Nyamekye

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, chairman of the Church of Pentecost, has challenged Ghanaians to be willing to endure discomfort by putting the nation's interests ahead of their own in order to leave a stronger country for future generations.

According to him, the nation will not experience steady, progressive development so long as its citizens, especially those in leadership positions, continue to pursue their own interests at the expense of the nation.

"We have leaders who only consider their own interests, which is not desirable. Apostle Nyamekye exhorted, "Live for the next generation, not just for the next four years," adding, "You cannot enhance the future without addressing the present, so let us consider Ghana in the future. Whatever you do should serve the national interest."

On Wednesday, 26 July 2023, he made these remarks at the inauguration of a two-day National Development Conference hosted by The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa Fetteh, close to Kasoa. The conference's theme is "Moral Vision and National Development."

Drawing lessons from Isaiah 59:14-15 and Proverbs 14:34, he concluded that the essence, character, and confidence of the people determine the success or failure of every leader. He emphasised the importance of upholding moral principles because no nation can realise its full potential if its citizens adhere to contradictory values.

Apostle Nyamekye cited the example of Moses, Israel's greatest leader, who was unable to enter the Promised Land because Aaron made a golden calf for the people, resulting in his inability to enter the promised land due to the nature and pressure of the people, which they failed to thwart quickly and strategically.

"We must establish a set of moral principles to guide the conduct of Ghana. Apostle Nyamekye advocated for a socially approved and acceptable pattern and norms of appropriate behaviour shared by all.

Apostle Nyamekye bemoaned the decline of moral values in Ghanaian society and emphasised the church's transformative mandate and historical precedents to participate in the national development conversation.

He encouraged the mentality of constructing a better world based on our ancestors' teachings about equality, the dignity of labour, and the integrity of one's word.

At the conclusion of the conference, which will be attended by Ghanaians from all regions of the country, including members of parliament, MMDCEs, political party representatives, and assembly members, a communique is anticipated.

Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia delivered the keynote address, while former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama addressed the audience.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude, Justice A. E. Torkonoo, and the President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, also delivered speeches and greetings at the occasion.

The conference includes various topics, such as "Moral Vision and Development" by Prof. Delanyo Adadevoh of the International Leadership Foundation, "Leadership and Human Flourishing: Making a Case for Social Justice and Nation Building in Ghana Today" by Very Rev. Prof. J. Asamoah-Gyadu, President of Trinity Theological Seminary, and "Raising Effective Politicians for Africa" by Dr. Olivia N. Muchena, Former Minister of Women Affairs, Zimbabwe.

Other topics include "Religion and Morality Development" by Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, National Chief Imam's Spokesperson, "Integrity in Nation Building" by Apostle A. N. Y. Kumi-Larbi, and "Patriotism and National Development" by Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong, Executive Director of Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa.