The General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana is alarmed at what he says is the increasing decadence in the country.

Rev Erasmus Odonkor is convinced the nation is moving backwards instead of forward after many years of independence and blames the situation on the leadership - both political and religious.

Speaking to a section of the media to announce this year's bible celebration, themed the "Bible and national life," Rev Odonkor said it was time to call the attention of the general populace to the urgent need to change course.

He said the developed countries are what they are today because of the consciousness of the citizenry to lead a disciplined life - something that is lacking in the national life of Ghana.

"Where is the pride of our nation?" he demanded saying "The selfishness is too much; the individualism is too much..."

Rev. Odonkor did not understand how politicians would buy public houses or official government vehicles allocated to them by the state. He was even more disgusted by the sale of Merchant Bank to equity firm, Fortiz.

"This issue about Jake Obetsebi Lamptey acquiring a state bungalow at the Ridge area by law was okay but by our conscience, is it okay?

"All things are lawful but not all things are expedient," he quoted the Bible as saying.

"Look at the shameful sale of Merchant Bank to cronies of the government; legally you may not be able to take them on but do their consciences free them?

"I think that is where the Church must speak out strongly," he admonished, criticising the religious leaders of also seeking prosperity for themselves and not the congregation they superintend over. "The religious leaders must be the conscience of the nation," he stated.

Reverend Odonkor said the Bible Week will be used to reorient the Church and Christians to take a second look at their contribution to national growth and development.

The week will focus especially on politicians and try to conscientise them to appreciate that governing a country is not only about election but improving upon the individual lives of the citizens.

The week-long programme will be launched Sunday, February 2, 2014 with several activities taking place simultaneously in all churches across the country.