Clergy must hold politicians accountable – Professor Adei

The clergy has been told to show profound interest in political administration of the country as part of their core responsibilities of safeguarding creation and national resources by holding politicians to account for their stewardship.

“The priests must be informed of the real economic and political issues, they must talk on those issues; the church and its members pay must taxes and must hold the government accountable,” Professor Stephen Adei said.

The clergy has the responsibility to raise a new generation of politicians and leaders of the nation, the former Rector of Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, said.

He said they must show interest in the political affairs of the country but endeavor to remain non-partisan and stand strongly against corruption, pride and arrogance.

Prof Adei was speaking at the Ghana Anglican Clergy Association (GACA) Conference held on the theme: “Fulfilling your ministry and enhancing democracy in Ghana, the role of the Anglican priest”.

Over 200 priests from 11 dioceses came from all parts of the country to deliberate on the internal affairs bordering the church and speak out on national issues essential to spur growth and welfare of the society.

Prof Adei said it is also the role of followers of the church to question political party candidates seeking to lead them about their vision to change the economic dynamics of the nation.

“You have responsibility to raise issues,” he said, adding that “the church should engage in politics but not in partisan and adversarial politics”.

While condemning widespread corruption in both public and private spheres, Prof Adei urged government to refrain from asking for evidence before prosecuting corrupt officers, saying “the Auditor-General’s annual report carry enough evidence of corruption” to warrant prosecution.

Venerable Emmanuel Mensah, Prolocutor and Acting Chairman of GACA, called on political leaders, the electorates, and the media and election stakeholders live above reproach and ensure their comments and actions did not mar the conduct of upcoming peaceful elections.

“Ghanaians should avoid use of inflammatory or intemperate language and be circumspect in whatever they do so that we go to polls on December to elect our president and parliamentarians in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation and violence.

“We expect fairness to all political parties,” he said, “We urged the Electoral Commission to be very impartial in the upcoming elections while security personnel should ensure adequate protection of life and property before, during and after the elections.”

He said “let us pray for the peace of Ghana.”

 

Source: GNA