Accra: Hajj Muhammad Amir Kpakpo Addo, General Secretary of the Federation of Muslim Councils, has called on religious leaders to intensify public education on corruption, highlighting it as both a crime and a betrayal of trust. He emphasized the crucial role of churches and mosques in promoting transparency and accountability in managing Ghana's petroleum revenues by reminding citizens and public officials of their moral obligations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Hajj Addo made the appeal during a stakeholder engagement organized by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) for Muslim and Christian groups in Accra. The event focused on the theme: 'Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Ghana's Petroleum Revenue Management.' He praised PIAC's efforts in monitoring and reporting on petroleum revenue management as essential for maintaining public confidence in governance and ensuring that oil revenues benefited all Ghanaians.
Hajj Addo drew on Islamic teachings, stating that public office and resources are sacred trusts for which leaders will be held accountable. "As a faith leader, I see this work through the lens of Amaanah (trust). In Islam, public office and public resources are a sacred trust. Allah will question every leader about how they managed what was entrusted to them," he said. He further noted that the Holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasized honesty, justice, and trustworthiness, adding that transparency and accountability were not only civic duties but also acts of worship.
He commended PIAC for serving as Ghana's 'moral compass' on petroleum revenue management since 2011 through its annual and semi-annual reports, which have helped citizens understand how oil revenues are managed. Hajj Addo highlighted the representation of faith groups on PIAC, emphasizing their role in providing a moral and ethical perspective on the use of petroleum revenues and reminding leaders that the resources belonged to all Ghanaians, including future generations.
While discussing the involvement of religious groups in governance, Hajj Addo clarified that faith groups did not seek to determine government policy but aimed to promote values that strengthen public accountability. "Faith groups do not aim to run governance. We remind government that public funds are a trust, and a trust requires honesty. That is not partisan; that is moral common sense," he stated. He urged stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure Ghana's petroleum wealth leads to improved livelihoods and sustainable development for present and future generations.
Mr. Richard Ellimah, Chairman of PIAC, explained that the engagement aimed to update religious bodies on the Committee's activities and gather feedback from a constituency that plays a significant role in national development. He stressed the importance of communication between PIAC representatives and their communities, saying, "We do not want a situation where the representative you sent here will come and spend three whole years and not get back to you."
Mr. Ellimah noted that more than 90 percent of Ghanaians identify as Christians or Muslims, making faith-based organizations crucial partners in promoting accountability and transparency. He urged religious leaders to use their influence to speak against abuses in petroleum revenue management and to encourage citizens to demand responsible stewardship of the nation's resources. "When you speak, government listens, and we hope that you will increasingly lend your voices to discussions on how petroleum revenues are utilised," he added.