Reverend Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong has said religious leaders must be considered as partners in national development and not enemies.
The former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) said political leaders must not perceive leaders of Faith-Based Organisations and other Civil Society Organisations as their enemies.
“Faith-Based Organisations have functioned as Institutions of Calm in our governance efforts over the years. Their roles are very crucial for national cohesion and fair reflections on both intended and unintended outcomes of public policies”, Rev Opuni-Frimpong said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Sunday.
Rev Dr Opuni-Frimpong, who is currently a lecturer at the Department of Religious Studies of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, said the strategic political efforts by some political leaders to silence voices of wisdom in the society through verbal and other forms of attacks did not augur well for national development and good democratic governance practices.
He, therefore, urged faith-based and other civil society organisations leaders to encourage themselves to play their God-given responsibilities as Stewards of the Society and Peace-Makers.
“There is the need for the leaders of the People of God to stand in the gap for the common good of the Nation and the ultimate Glory of God” Rev Opuni-Frimpong added.
Ofosu Ampofo leaked the tape
This comes on the back seeming call for attacks on the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Emmanuel Asante by National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo.
Mr. Ofosu Ampofo in viral leaked audio is heard outlining plans to match up against groups from the governing New Patriotic Party ahead of the 2020 elections.
In the same tape, he is heard telling the audience believed to be executives of the party to attack the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa and Professor Emmanuel Asante.
I’ve forgiven Ofosu Ampofo for ordering attacks on me – Peace Council Chair
Rev. Emmanuel Asante subsequently said he does not hold any grudges against Samuel Ofosu Ampofo for allegedly ordering NDC communicators to verbally attack him.
According to the preacher, no amount of insults will deter him from promoting peace in Ghana.
“That’s not going to stop the Peace Council from doing its work. My conscience is clear; I will do what is expected of me. I will be neutral. We’ve done it in the past and we will continue doing what we have to do. I’ve already forgiven who ever said that. If he [Samuel Ofosu Ampofo] said that I’ve forgiven him. If it’s not him, I still have forgiven whoever made those words,” he added.
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Source: GNA with additional files from citinewsroom.com
