Winneba: The Venerable Father Aaron Moses Kwamina Eduah, Archdeacon of the Winneba Anglican Archdeaconry of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast, has issued a strong warning to political leaders against employing deception for political gain. He highlighted that persistent contradictions and falsehoods can significantly erode public trust and weaken confidence in government and public institutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ven. Fr. Eduah delivered the caution in a pastoral-prophetic message titled: 'When Deception Becomes a Political Strategy.' He emphasized that citizens rely on accurate information from governments and leaders to make critical decisions concerning their lives, businesses, and communities. He warned that unreliable official information could undermine public trust, economic confidence, institutional credibility, social cohesion, democratic participation, and national unity.
The Archdeacon further noted that despite possessing constitutional authority, political power, financial resources, and administrative structures, a government could see its effectiveness seriously weakened if citizens no longer believe what their leaders say. He stressed that leadership is a trust, not ownership, and while it is temporary, its decisions can have lasting effects on future generations.
Ven. Fr. Eduah urged political leaders to embrace constructive criticism and avoid surrounding themselves with only supporters. He asserted that the clergy has a responsibility to support governments when they perform well but must also offer respectful correction when they deviate from truth and justice. He emphasized that the primary responsibility of the clergy is to God and His truth. When governments protect the vulnerable, promote justice, and advance national development, Christian leaders should acknowledge and appreciate such efforts.
He called upon the Church to uphold consistent ethical standards and condemn deception, corruption, and injustice, irrespective of political affiliations. He stated that actions such as deception and corruption remain wrong regardless of who practices them, and injustice is wrong regardless of the offender's identity.
Ven. Fr. Eduah challenged pastors to act as the nation's conscience by advocating for truth, justice, integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership. He also urged the Church to continue praying for political leaders and those entrusted with public office.