The newly consecrated Coadjutor Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani, Very Reverend Martin Apraku Amankwah, has called for a renewed emphasis on Christian values to tackle greed, selfishness, and political divisions undermining national development.
He said those vices contributed to environmental degradation, the excessive pursuit of wealth and possessions, and divisions among people, including within families and communities.
Rev. Amankwah was speaking after his consecration and episcopal ordination as Coadjutor Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani last Sunday.
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He was elected Coadjutor Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani at a Special Synod on April 11, 2026. His election was subsequently endorsed by the bishops of the Church.
He said the Church’s preaching of the gospel must place greater emphasis on Jesus Christ and his sacrifice to help Ghanaians overcome their differences and work towards the common goal.
“At the cross, greed and the thought that I am better than someone else because we belong to different political parties can get lost,” he said.
Rev. Amankwah said his reflection on the word of God had convinced him that greed and selfishness were at the root of many societal challenges, adding that a stronger commitment to Christ’s teachings could help promote unity, environmental protection and peaceful relationships.
He said political differences should not prevent people from working together to protect the environment and promote the welfare of their communities.
Rev. Amankwah also called for greater efforts to instil moral values in children from an early age, saying Christian education could help nurture responsible citizens.
He said he had developed a passion for school worship since his early years in ordained ministry and had regularly participated in worship sessions involving pupils from kindergarten to junior high school.
Rev. Amankwah expressed the hope that the church would strengthen its engagement with schools to develop young people who respected human life, upheld good moral values and demonstrated responsibility towards the environment.
“When these are inculcated into them at that age, we believe they will be more nationalistic, and they will really be instruments for the progress of this nation,” he said.
He added that he hoped to work with other church leaders to develop systems and structures to advance the agenda.
For his part, the Diocesan Bishop of Sunyani, Right Rev. Dr Festus Yeboah Asuamah, urged the incoming bishop and the Church to sustain advocacy against illegal mining and environmental destruction.
He said mining must be conducted lawfully, with efforts made to restore degraded forests and protect water bodies.
“We need to protect our water bodies and our forests. And also, if we are to do mining, it should be legitimate,” he said.
Rt Rev. Dr Asuamah also called on the government to create an enabling environment for businesses to expand and generate employment, particularly for young people.
He said graduates of nursing, teacher training and vocational institutions needed opportunities to work, while reliable electricity and a conducive business environment would encourage private investors to expand economic activities.
He expressed concern about road crashes, urging motorists to avoid overspeeding and ensure their vehicles were properly maintained.
Rt Rev. Dr Asuamah said many accidents could be prevented through greater care and responsibility.
On other social challenges, he urged parents, teachers, churches and community leaders to work together to discourage drug abuse, armed robbery and other forms of indiscipline.
He said churches should also support the rehabilitation of people seeking to overcome alcoholism, drug abuse and other destructive behaviours.
Graphic Online