The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, has spoken strongly against the abuse of power in political circles, the corporate world, workplaces, and marital homes, warning against the use of authority to promote selfish interests or gain undue advantage.

“In the name of acquiring wealth, attaining political positions, or gaining promotion in the workplace, some people use all sorts of wicked means to mistreat or eliminate their perceived enemies. This is what King Herod attempted against baby Jesus. And such crude methods we must eschew as political leaders or private individuals,” he said.

Rev. Wengam was speaking at the forecourt of the State House in Accra during the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols hosted by the Parliament of Ghana.

President John Dramani Mahama was present and read one of the scripture lessons. Other readings were delivered by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Professor Amin Alhassan, as well as representatives of the Majority and Minority leadership of Parliament.

Rev. Wengam, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Africa Assemblies of God Alliance (AAGA), said the Christmas story offers critical lessons for both personal growth and national development, particularly the need for reconciliation.

He emphasised that the Christmas message is meaningless unless humanity takes deliberate steps to turn away from sin and seek reconciliation with God, who alone guarantees true success in life.

“We must reconcile with God vertically and reconcile with our neighbours, colleagues, spouses, and children horizontally,” Rev. Wengam added.

Referring to the obedience of Joseph and Mary in complying with the decree for a census after the birth of Jesus, he stated: “God would not do by a miracle what people must do through responsibility, common sense, and simple obedience.”

He therefore underlined the need for Ghanaians to be law-abiding.

On governance, Rev. Wengam said political leadership must pursue a national vision that transcends narrow partisan interests and is anchored in strong moral values as a compass for holistic development.

He reminded the gathering that the once-powerful Roman Empire collapsed due to moral failure, particularly sexual immorality, warning that such failures must not be repeated by the present generation.

Rev. Wengam urged the government, Parliament, and other state institutions to intensify efforts to protect human rights and advance the welfare of Ghanaians.

“The security agencies should also step up measures to protect the civilian population while the people themselves prioritise their personal safety and security,” he added.