GHANAIANS MUST NOT SELL THEIR CONSCIENCE ...(PAGE 17)

Story: Collins Agyekum-Gyasi, Obuasi

THE Most Reverend Thomas Mensah, Archbishop of Kumasi, has challenged Ghanaians not to sell their conscience to politicians as the general election draws near.
He said Ghanaians must elect right, discerning leaders to promote national development.
The Archbishop said that this would enable politicians to uphold the values of truth and accountability which is required to sustaining democracy and good governance.
He was speaking on the occasion of the installation of the second Diocesan Bishop of Obuasi, Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, a former Auxiliary Bishop of Kumasi.
The President, Mr J.A. Kufuor, government functionaries, archbishops, bishops, the Apostolic Prefect, the Apostolic Nunclature in Ghana and chiefs graced the installation held at the Christ the King College at Akaparise, Obuasi.
Archbishop Mensah said politics and democratisation were aimed at ensuring the welfare of people because democracy aimed at ensuring the welfare of all citizens, paying particular attention to the weak and vulnerable, irrespective of race, tribe and economic inequality.
"We, as people of the nation and people of God, are the custodians and beneficiaries of the democratic process and governance. And as good citizens, we offer people the chance to serve. We elect servants and not kings nor queens who would lord it over us", he said.
He explained that Ghanaians must choose leaders not out of selfish interest or based on party affiliation but on the principle of truth to set us free.
“It is our duty to search for leaders who would see humans as both sacred and social; expressing love to humanity as Christ did. After all, holy lives are more persuasive than narratives", he advised.
In his short address delivered by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Emmanuel Owusu Ansah, President Kufuor reminded Bishop Anokye to strive hard to continue the good work of Archbishop Mensah to promote the development of the diocese, Obuasi and the nation as a whole.
President Kufuor prayed that the good Lord would continue to shower his blessings upon Most Rev. Anokye so that whatever he spoke would be a blessing to the nation.
Touching on the heavy workload of the church, he said "I envision a diocese where all will rise up and build upon the foundation solidly laid by the first Bishop; a diocese where all will pool their resources together and claim collective ownership of our common evangelising mission".
Bishop Anokye said he hoped to intensify and promote all existing programmes for the clergy, religious and lay faithful and enhance the training of the youth so that they come out as competent adult leaders and credible witnesses who would further the evangelistic mission of the church.