Achieving Ghana’s development goals requires a collective ownership of the national vision and collaboration among key stakeholders, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has stated. Emphasizing the importance of faith-based organisations working hand-in-hand with the government, he outlined this vision at the 2nd Biennial Joint Conference of the East, West, and Mid Ghana Conference of the AME Zion Church.
Reflecting on the conference theme, “The Freedom Church: Securing our Future,” Dr. Bawumia stressed the necessity of crafting national goals together, leveraging relevant knowledge and experience. He noted:
“The conference theme is a stirring appeal to each of us to believe in the future and take deliberate steps now to preserve, protect, and secure it at all costs. Despite recent turbulent and troubling economic challenges, we must not let them dampen our confidence and faith in the future that God has for us.”
Dr. Bawumia highlighted the need for visionary leadership and a dedicated populace to achieve national aspirations. He urged:
“We must determine where we want to be in the future and carefully plan how to get there. It requires visionary leadership to chart the path and committed individuals who strive to achieve their ideals and aspirations.”
Speaking on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Dr. Bawumia challenged Christians to reflect on how their actions impact national development:
“Would it be too much to ask that Christians complement their prayer vigils and revivals with honest, diligent work? Is it too much to ask that each individual commits to personal cleanliness and respect for the environment? Can we hold leadership at all levels to account with the same passion with which we strive to uphold the rule of law? Can the church reclaim its prophetic voice and mandate by being faithful and true to her divine calling?”
He commended the AME Zion Church for its invaluable contributions to national development in healthcare, education, advocacy, and social justice. He also lauded the church’s participation in the Christian Council of Ghana’s efforts to address critical national issues.
Expressing his belief in Ghana’s potential for greatness, Dr. Bawumia called for unity and open dialogue to achieve accelerated national development:
“I have no doubt that the Almighty God has brought each of us to a time such as this for a reason. He has divinely equipped us to rise to the occasion and build our beloved nation Ghana. May the love of God and nation undergird our efforts, as the AME Zion Church and its members partner with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and me to transform the lives of our people and communities.”
Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, Presiding Bishop of the African A.M.E Zion Church – Western West Africa Episcopal District, also called on Ghanaians to reject politics of violence and division, emphasizing that the electoral process should highlight diversity rather than cause discord:
“Politics should not divide us; it should rather showcase our diversity. As the parties campaign, let’s listen for ideas, deliberate on them, and choose the ones that best address our challenges. Peace is what we all desire, not conflict.”
This message underscores the essential role of faith-based organisations in Ghana’s journey towards achieving its national vision, urging collective effort and commitment from all sectors of society.
