Achieving Ghana’s development goals entails the practical ‘owning’ of the national vision
and collaboration with all key stakeholders, and it is therefore imperative that faith-based
organisations work hand-in-hand with government to move the nation in the desired
direction, Vice President Bawumia has stated.
Reflecting on the Conference theme, ‘The Freedom Church: Securing our Future’ at the 2nd
Biennial Joint Conference of the East, West and Mid Ghana Conference of the AME Zion
Church, Dr Bawumia emphasized the importance of collectively crafting national goals, relying
on relevant knowledge and experience.
“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 cost. As with all nations around the
world, we have had some very turbulent and troubling economic challenges in recent times, yet
this cannot and should not be allowed to dampen our confidence and faith in the future that God
himself has for us.
“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 for the future and committed and dedicated people
who strive to achieve their ideals and aspirations for the future.
“Thus, if we are to truly secure the future, it is imperative that we carefully consider the
implication of our current actions and inactions on our future and take steps to attain the desired
goal,” he noted.
Vice President Bawumia, who was speaking on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 challenged Christians
to reflect on how their actions and inactions could have a direct bearing on 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 commit to holding leadership at all levels to account,
irrespective of political or religious leanings, 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?”
The Vice President commended the AME Zion Church for her “invaluable contributions to the
national development effort in the areas of healthcare, basic and secondary education, advocacy
and promotion of social justice,” noting that the denomination’s participation in the activities of
the Christian Council of Ghana aimed at addressing critical issues of national interest also
deserves commendation.
Expressing absolute belief that Ghana was on the cusp of greatness, Dr Bawumia challenged
Ghanaians to believe that with oneness of mind, and a frank and open exchange of ideas,
achieving accelerated national development is possible.
“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 up to the occasion and build our beloved nation
Ghana.
“May the love of God and nation under-gird our efforts, even as the AME Zion Church and its
members partner with the President, HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, and I, to bring
transformation to 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, called on Ghanaians to reject politics of violence and
division, insisting that the process of choosing leaders should not lead to acrimony.
“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.”
