Reverend Professor Paul Frimpong-Manso, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, has pleaded with the public to stop attacking and insulting people who have dedicated their life to serving the country while hiding behind critiques.
Although people may have differing opinions on topics, he added, "it should not make us enemies." He went on to say that those with well-earned reputations have dedicated themselves to contributing their share to the nation's growth. We must express constructive criticism on issues.
At the Christian Council of Ghana's national thanksgiving and prayer service held at the Action Chapel International Church in Accra last Sunday, Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso warned, "If we do not take care, there would be a day when nobody will commit himself/herself to serve our nation."
Service
The topic of the prayer and gratitude service was "The God who hears petitions."
Since the breakout and ensuing lock-down in March 2020, it is the most recent project the Council has undertaken.
It included prayers of thankfulness and intercession for the nation's progress against COVID-19 under the guidance of the Lord.
There were additional prayers for unions, for the security services, for the unity of Ghanaians, for the fight against the spirit of falsehoods, and for the governing bodies.
The service brought together leaders from various Christian organisations, including Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Presiding Archbishop and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Nimfour Opoku Onyinah, Former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, and Presiding Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei, Presiding Bishop of The Pleasant Place Church.
Among other Christian leaders, the Council's leadership and Rev. Joyce Aryee, the founder of Salt and Light Ministries.
The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, as well as Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, Executive Director and Project Coordinator of the National Cathedral of Ghana, were also in attendance at the occasion.
As a token of gratitude, Parliament gave a gift of GHC 5,000.
Polarisation
While supporting the idea of free expression, Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso argued that people shouldn't enable the nation's polarised climate to destabilise the country through derogatory remarks and assaults.
He said, "Feel free to chat, but don't use falsehoods to discredit one another and our well-earned reputation."
He said that criticisms must be supported by evidence rather than personal attacks.