Accra: Reverend Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP), George Akuamoah-Boateng, who serves as the Ho East Presbytery Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana (EPCG), has called upon Christians to maintain cleanliness in physical, environmental, and spiritual domains. He emphasized that cleanliness is a virtue closely related to spiritual purity.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rev CSP Akuamoah-Boateng delivered this message during his welcome address at the one-day extraordinary 16th Synod of the Ho-East Presbytery of the Church. The event took place at the Dela Cathedral Ho Kpodzi and was themed 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness - Keep Clean.' It was attended by delegates from all pastoral districts, church groups, and schools within the Presbytery.
The Synod Moderator stressed that personal hygiene, a tidy environment, and moral uprightness are reflections of self-respect and respect for others. He highlighted that maintaining personal hygiene and a clean environment aligns with divine standards, emphasizing practical habits and deeper ethics. Rev CSP Akuamoah-Boateng linked a clean body and home to a pure heart, asserting that true godliness necessitates inner spiritual cleansing, an understanding reinforced by religious teachings in the Bible.
From a moral and spiritual perspective, he encouraged individuals to focus on ensuring a pure heart before God, cultivating good virtues, engaging in honest actions, and abstaining from evil and corruption. He urged Christians to lead disciplined lives, respect themselves and others, and uphold a clear mind.
The Rev CSP Akuamoah-Boateng also noted that many traditions regard physical cleanliness as a religious requirement that signifies one's devotion. He reminded Christians that God's kingdom prioritizes internal purity over external actions. He explained that inner integrity involves purity of mind, will, desires, and affections, free from hidden motives such as hatred, greed, lust, and self-centeredness.
The Synod Moderator echoed the teachings of Jesus Christ, who advocated for a profound internal transformation, focusing the believer's motives and desires singularly on God. He expressed hope that the Synod's deliberations would propel both the Church and the nation forward.
Rev Dr Abraham Doeviga Akoto, Men's Desk Programme Officer of the Church, representing the Standing Committee, commended the Presbytery for their unity and effective collaboration with the Church Headquarters. He encouraged the delegates to serve as worthy ambassadors of the Church in their respective communities.