The General Overseer of Enriching Lives Ministries in the Central Region, Rev. Obed Danquah, has observed it is better for government to place its priorities on enacting laws to purge the religious terrain of greed and corruption and other improprieties which have rocked the nation in recent times in a bid to help create ‘God’s holy temple’ in Ghana rather than focusing attention on construction of a national cathedral.
According to him, there’s nothing wrong with government being part of God’s work provided it has the requisite financial strength to execute the task.
He, however, believes government must first begin the process by implementing a policy to regulate and sanitize the religious system, which has been inundated with multiplicities of improprieties.
The proposal of constructing a national cathedral by President Nana Akufo-Addo has sparked a huge public argument with a section of the public raising questions about the selected area for its construction.
Concerns have been raised about the demolition of several buildings including the Scholarship Secretariat, Passport Office at Ridge and nine bungalows occupied by Appeals Court Judges for the project.
Some individuals and groups have described the move as a “misplaced priority” while others have also questioned the financial burden it will have on the nation.
But commenting on the issue briefly in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the 5th anniversary celebration event of the Morgan International Community School (MICS) at Gomoa Manso in the Central Region on Wednesday, Rev. Obed Danquah said: “We do have a number of churches in the country today who are not doing things right.
“As a Reverend Minister, I believe government has the responsibility to ensure that the law is set up in such a way that the principle of God is applied ethically, religiously and humanly without anyone taking advantage of another.”
The event, which coincided with the 58th birthday of the school’s founder, Rev. Obed Danquah, was staged in his honour to celebrate him for his laudable achievements that have kept the school soaring high since its establishment five years ago.
The day witnessed a colourful ceremony, characterized by varieties of thrilling performances ranging from drama sketches by students, poetry recitals, documentary on history of the school, sonorous music amidst fun galore and jubilation.
Acting Head of MICS-Gomoa Manso campus, Hon. Boakye Yiadom Opoku presented a citation on behalf of the entire school to honour Rev. Obed Danquah for his achievements as the school’s founding father.
While wishing him long life and prosperity in all his endeavours, he also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom and blessings upon him to forever keep the legacy of the school blazing eternally.
Some deserving teachers were also recognized for their commitment, loyalty, hard work and dedication to service under various categories.
For the long serving staff awards category, Acting Head of Primary Division of MICS, Moses Antwi Amoamah, followed by Felicia Arthur and Kwame Andoh were recognized while Bright Andoh was adjudged the excellent performer under the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) category awards.
For the excellent performer in IDBP/IGCS English Literature awards category, Williams Adjei was declared the winner while Richard Oppong Asante was confirmed the Excellent Performer in IBDP Mathematics.
The rest include Anthony Abaidoo, who was awarded with Hardworking and Excellent Result in IBDP/IGCSE Economics while Eric Owusu was declared the Best in Academic Performance and Excellent Result in IGCSE Physics and Mathematics.
All the winners were presented with a cheque and a citation, which was handed to them by Rev. Obed Danquah as an honour for their immense contributions and dedication towards academic works of students over years in school.
To cap it all, some council members of Enriching Lives Ministries who graced the occasion also presented a birthday gift to Rev. Obed Danquah to wish him well, as well as evoke the blessings, grace and mercies of the almighty God upon him.
By Joseph Kobla Wemakor