Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has called on the newly elected government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to prioritize good governance and eschew practices that could lead to mismanagement or marginalization.
His remarks came during a National Prayer and Thanksgiving service held after the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama.
The renowned preacher emphasized the importance of efficient governance that prioritizes the needs of citizens over partisan interests.
Addressing government officials in his sermon, Archbishop Duncan-Williams urged the administration to focus on effective management of resources, equitable development, and the upliftment of all citizens, regardless of political or ethnic affiliations.
“Governance is about the effective and efficient management of scarce resources, ensuring the development of outcomes that reflect in the lives of the people,” he said. “Leadership is not about capturing power for personal gain but about serving the people and fostering unity.”
The archbishop warned against the dangers of “winner-takes-all politics,” highlighting the risk of alienating sections of the population. He also criticized previous administrations for what he described as inadequate governance practices, including corruption, marginalization, and a lack of accountability.
“Governance is not just about building infrastructure or making grand announcements,” he said. “It’s about translating development into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.”
Archbishop Duncan-Williams also addressed political polarization, cautioning leaders against using their positions to silence critics or marginalize dissenting voices. He encouraged the NDC administration to welcome constructive criticism as a means of improving governance.
Reflecting on past administrations, the archbishop highlighted failures in governance that left citizens disillusioned. He urged the incoming government to learn from those mistakes and adopt a transparent, inclusive approach to leadership.
“In the past, we have seen governance where the focus has been on personal or partisan gains, leaving the people to bear the brunt of poor decisions,” he noted. “This must change.”
Archbishop Duncan-Williams concluded his sermon with a charge to President Mahama and his team to maintain their focus on delivering meaningful change for the nation. He reminded them of the responsibility they bear to serve all Ghanaians.
“As leaders, your responsibility is to lift up the people, to unite the nation, and to govern with integrity. Failure to do so is a betrayal of the trust placed in you by the people,” he said.
The National Prayer and Thanksgiving service, attended by political and religious leaders, was part of the celebrations marking the successful swearing-in of President Mahama. The event highlighted the importance of seeking divine guidance and fostering unity as the country moves forward.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
