By Dorothy Frances Ward, GNA
Kumasi, March 24, GNA – Right Reverend Oscar Christian Amoah, Anglican Bishop of Kumasi, has highlighted the importance of social responsibility among the faithful, noting that, the church must play a leading role in addressing poverty and inequality in society.
According to him, the religious population accounts for a huge percentage of the population, underscoring its potential impact on social interventions.
Churches and religious bodies should therefore identify less privileged members within their congregations and provide them with the necessary support to improve their livelihoods.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, he said most people were going through serious economic challenges, with many vulnerable individuals relying on faith-based organisations for assistance and social support.
He emphasised that, the core teachings of Christianity and other religions stressed on compassion, charity, and care for the needy.
In Kumasi and its surrounding areas, various churches and denominations continue to grow rapidly, increasing their influence on community development and welfare.
Right Rev. Amoah, said the Anglican Church had been recognised for its philanthropic efforts, including support to orphanages and vulnerable groups.
He said that faith-based involvement in national development and social support systems was crucial in nation building and bridging the poverty gap.
He added that, the church had also been known for promoting ethical leadership and social responsibility among Christians in Ghana.
Right Rev. Amoah pointed out that, the Clergy and churches must go beyond preaching, and take practical steps to identify struggling members, including widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities and offer them the needed support.
He said structured welfare systems within churches could help track and support members facing financial and social difficulties.
The bishop recommended the establishment of welfare committees to coordinate donations, counselling, and empowerment programmes for the congregation.
Churches should invest in skills training initiatives to help members become self-reliant rather than dependent on continuous aid, he stressed.
He also mentioned that religious organisations must collaborate with government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and non-governmental organisations to expand their reach.
Such partnerships, he noted, would enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions aimed at reducing poverty.
He advocated for a shift from seasonal charity to consistent and long-term support systems for the vulnerable.
Such sustained interventions would promote dignity and independence among beneficiaries.
He observed that Kumasi, as a major religious hub, had the capacity to significantly influence social welfare if churches worked together.
According to him, the growing number of churches in the metropolis should translate into improved living conditions for the less privileged.
Right Rev Amoah cautioned against overemphasis on financial contributions from members at the expense of humanitarian support.
He said that religious institutions must remain accountable and focused on their mission of service to humanity, adding that, supporting the vulnerable would not only reflect true religious values but also contribute to national development and social cohesion.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/George-Ramsey Benamba