As the world observes World Day of Social Justice today, under the compelling theme “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice”, the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has expressed solemn solidarity with the global call to dismantle barriers of exclusion, inequality, and marginalisation.

The Council emphasises that this commitment is not only a civic duty but also a moral obligation and a profound expression of faith. Citing Psalm 89:14 — “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you” — the CCG draws a direct connection between divine principles and Ghana’s cherished national motto, “Freedom and Justice”, emblazoned upon the country’s Coat of Arms since independence.

This motto, inscribed by forebears emerging from colonial oppression, symbolises a covenantal aspiration: genuine freedom from bondage and just treatment for every citizen, irrespective of socioeconomic status or religious background.

In contemporary Ghana, the pursuit of empowering inclusion reflects this sacred alignment. Bridging societal gaps involves extending the freedoms promised in the national motto to those still constrained by poverty, discrimination, unemployment, disability, gender inequality, rural neglect, and inadequate social protection.

For the CCG, justice must be a lived reality, ensuring that widows, orphans, strangers, youth, and the elderly experience the dignity intended by God (Deuteronomy 10:18; Isaiah 1:17).

On this World Day of Social Justice, the Council has called upon the Government of Ghana and all stakeholders in nation-building to address systemic discrimination, economic disparity, and governance challenges that hinder inclusive prosperity.

The CCG also hopes that the Global South will witness true freedom and justice grounded in collective welfare, rather than the interests of a privileged few.

The Council commended President Mahama for his dedication to social justice through initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, MahamaCares (Ghana Medical Trust Fund), No-Fees-Stress Initiative, free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, free sanitary pads distribution, the Adwumawura Programme, expansion of the LEAP Programme, and free primary healthcare.

While acknowledging these policies as commendable, the CCG stressed that their effective and equitable implementation is crucial to benefit all intended recipients, fostering a just, progressive, and prosperous society.

Despite these efforts, the Council noted that government action alone cannot fully achieve social justice. On this occasion, the CCG called on the religious community and development partners, including the United Nations (UN), to collaborate in promoting social justice, particularly in regions where race, gender, sexuality, or economic status hinder access to fundamental rights and social services.

The Council specifically highlighted the persistent challenge of “no bed syndrome” in healthcare as an affront to social justice. Every Ghanaian and resident of Ghana, it asserted, deserves timely emergency care to realise their God-given potential.

Coming on the third day of Lent, a period of penitence, reflection, and beneficence, the Council urged citizens to embody the principles of Isaiah 58:1–12 by acting justly and compassionately towards the poor, vulnerable, and socially disadvantaged.

The CCG prayed that the observance of World Day of Social Justice, celebrated globally under the auspices of the United Nations, would bring humanity closer to its divine calling to be one another’s keeper.