Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called on the Church in Ghana to reposition itself to play a more strategic role in national transformation by deepening its contributions to education, healthcare, social welfare and moral leadership.
Delivering the 90th Anniversary Lecture of Accra Ridge Church on the theme, “Repositioning the Church for National Transformation: Faith, Education and Holistic Renewal in Ghana,” the Vice President joined the congregation in celebrating nine decades of worship, service, community engagement and contribution to Ghana’s national development.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reflected on the historic role played by churches and faith-based organisations in Ghana’s growth, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare delivery, peacebuilding, social welfare and moral formation.
She noted that long before the establishment of many public institutions, religious organisations had taken the lead in building schools, hospitals and community support systems that laid the foundation for national progress.
According to the Vice President, while that legacy remains relevant, the changing needs of society require the Church to continually assess how it can make its most distinctive and impactful contribution to contemporary Ghanaian society.
She urged faith-based organisations to strengthen partnerships with public institutions, particularly in underserved communities, through initiatives that support quality education rooted in integrity, healthcare delivery in remote areas, rehabilitation programmes, prison ministry and youth development.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also stressed the importance of the Church serving as the moral conscience of society by maintaining a principled and non-partisan public voice.
“The Church’s public voice should speak consistently against corruption, injustice, abuse, environmental destruction and the erosion of public trust, regardless of which political party is in power,” she indicated.
She added that moral authority is most effective when it is grounded in service, truth, fairness and compassion.
The Vice President further underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence among Christians, Muslims, traditional believers and people of all faiths, noting that Ghana’s stability has been built on cooperation, tolerance and the prioritisation of national interests over differences.
She observed that emerging challenges such as youth unemployment, mental health issues, environmental degradation, declining ethical standards and weakening social responsibility present opportunities for the Church to expand its role in national renewal.
Congratulating Accra Ridge Church on its 90th anniversary, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang encouraged the Church to continue working alongside government and society in strengthening institutions, supporting vulnerable groups and promoting a peaceful, prosperous and morally grounded Ghana.
