Let’s build a culture of consensus for national dev. – Christian Council

It is already fifty seven (57) years since we gained political independence from British Colonial rule as Ghanaians. Our independence ushered us into a new era of political sovereignty and gave us a platform to create the Ghana we want.

Since gaining political independence, we have been working very hard as a people to achieve economic and social independence under various political leaders. Our various political leaders over the years have played an enormous role in our development efforts as a nation and it is important to commend them for their role, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Since winning political independence 57 years ago, we have made great efforts to develop our economy and scored many successes in this respect. However, we are yet to attain socio-economic sovereignty as a country in the midst of the numerous natural resources and capacities that God has blessed us with. Our economic lifelines are still dependent on foreign countries.

We are still struggling to achieve socio-economic independence because we have politicized every national issue and have refused to look beyond that. Over the years, political parties that have come to power have sought to do things based on their political ideology and purpose. This approach, which has eaten into the very fibre of our national life, has been one of the major banes of our economic challenges as a country.

In dealing with our numerous economic challenges even after 57 years of independence, it has become important for us to begin to build consensus on national issues. We must come together as Ghanaians, irrespective of one’s political affiliation and create Ghanaian solutions to our challenges.

Political leaders, especially those in government have the major responsibility of bringing everyone on board in building consensus to find the most viable solutions to our economic challenges. Government must lead the way in crafting a culture of national consensus and patriotism among citizens and, ensure that the interest of Ghana becomes paramount in any national engagements. The Bible emphasizes this point in Proverbs 11:14 which reads; “ Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

To achieve socio-economic independence, we must begin to dream as one people. What is our vision for Ghana for the next 10 years? Where do we want to see Ghana @ 60? We cannot achieve economic sovereignty if we continue to do the same things we have been doing for the past 57 years the same way and expect different results. Things must be done differently to achieve different results.

Christian Council is of the strong conviction that, Ghana is a sleeping economic giant with the enormous resources available to us. The time has come for us to dream and develop a comprehensive vision for our country for the next ten years and beyond collectively as a people and not a political party or government.

We must also allow God to lead us in our quest to make our nation great and strong. The Psalmist admonishes us in Psalm 127:1 that “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain”.

As we celebrate our 57th Independence Anniversary, we congratulate every Ghanaian and our forefathers and mothers for their contributions to our national development.

Together we can make it happen!

God bless our homeland Ghana and make us great and strong!!

Signed:

Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong

General Secretary