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, the workplace, and marital homes as a means 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. “

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

Present was President John Dramani Mahama, who read a scripture. There were other scriptural readings from 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; and representatives of the Majority and Minority leaders in Parliament.

Rev. Wengam, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Africa Assemblies of God Alliance (AAGA), said the Christmas story presents critical lessons for personal and national advancement.

One such lesson is reconciliation.

He emphasised that the Christmas story is meaningless unless humanity takes resolute steps to turn away from their sins and seek reconciliation with God, their maker, who alone can guarantee their success in life.

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

In reference to obedience by Joseph and Mary to a decree for a census after the birth of Jesus, he said, “God would not do by a miracle what people must do through responsibility, common sense, and simple obedience.”

Rev. Wengam, therefore, underlined the need for Ghanaians to be law-abiding.

Political leadership, he said, must pursue a national vision that transcends narrow partisan considerations.
He said such vision must be backed by strong moral values as a critical compass for holistic development.

The General Superintendent reminded the audience that the then-powerful Roman Empire crumbled due to moral failure, particularly sexual immorality. And such failure must not be repeated by the present generation.

Rev. Wengam urged the government, Parliament and other state institutions to do more to protect the human rights and advance the interests 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,” Rev. Wengam added.