The Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, an Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, has called for the restoration
of Ghana to its former glory of being a prosperous, progressive, life-giving and nations-enriching
country.
He made the call in a sermon at an Ecumenical Service organized by the Ghana Catholic
Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church,
Osu in Accra on May 8. It was attended by members of the Bishops’ Conference and some heads
of Churches of the Christian Council as well as Priests, Religious and lay Faithful.
Bishop Louis said the country which has been blessed by God with precious minerals including
diamond, gold, etc., vast vegetation with its rich timbers, innumerous water bodies and
invaluable human resources should not be struggling to survive.
According to him, Ghana is lagging behind in development and progress due to bribery,
corruption, lack of patriotism, deteriorating education system, (youth) unemployment, galamsey,
poverty, poor healthcare system, armed robbery, violence, culture of impunity and abandoned
government projects among others.
Reflecting on the Bible Readings of the Service taken from Ekekiel and Luke, Bishop Louis
likened Ghana to a river, noting that other factors responsible for the polluted River Ghana
include deficiencies in governance, traditional leadership and religious practices.
He said the pollution of River Ghana, notwithstanding, it can be restored to its former glory if
“we all put our hands to the wheel”.
The needed transformation can be achieved if the status quo or business as usual attitude is
changed, he stated. “In our context, the status quo of the Constitution cannot remain, nor can the
business as usual of the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Traditional Leaders, Religious
Leaders, and general citizenry be sustained”, he added.
The Bishop called on the citizenry to repent and seek for the good of others and the collective
good of the nation. “We must all give up acts of greed, bribery and corruption, and rather
embrace integrity, responsibility and accountability”, he said.
He called on the Security Agencies and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law, be fair and free of
fear and avoid any ill-manipulations.
“God had abundantly endowed our nation. Like the river in Ezekiel’s vision, Ghana was
prosperous, progressive, life-giving and nations-enriching before and at her independence.
However, as it meandered through the harsh terrain of history, especially, in the last thirty years,
the waters of the River Ghana have progressively become muddy, contaminated and life-
threatening. This notwithstanding our nation can be restored to its former glory! Therefore, let
us all, the executive, judiciary, legislature, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and general
citizenry, arise and rebuild our nation”, Bishop Louis stressed.
