By J. K. Nabary
Winneba (C/R), Sept 2, GNA – The Venerable Father Aaron Moses Kwamina Eduah, Archdeacon of the Winneba Anglican Archdeaconry of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast, has cautioned political leaders against using deception as a strategy for political advantage.
He warned that persistent contradictions and untruths could erode public trust and weaken confidence in government and public institutions.
Ven. Fr. Eduah gave the caution in a pastoral-prophetic message titled: “When Deception Becomes a Political Strategy.”
He said citizens relied on information provided by governments and other leaders to make important decisions regarding their lives, businesses, investments, education, employment and communities.
According to him, unreliable official information could undermine public trust, economic confidence, institutional credibility, social cohesion, democratic participation and national unity.
“A government may possess constitutional authority, political power, financial resources, and administrative structures, but if the citizens no more believe what their leaders say, the effectiveness of government can become seriously weakened,” he maintained.
Ven. Fr. Eduah said leadership was a trust and not ownership, stressing that while leadership was temporary, its decisions could have lasting consequences for future generations.
He urged political leaders to welcome constructive criticism and avoid surrounding themselves solely with praise singers.
The Archdeacon said the clergy had a responsibility to support governments when they performed well, but must also offer respectful correction when they strayed from the path of truth and justice.
“The Clergy’s primary responsibility is to God and His truth. When government performs well, protects the vulnerable, promotes justice and advances national development, Christian leaders must acknowledge and appreciate such efforts,” he said.
He called on the Church to uphold consistent ethical standards and condemn deception, corruption and injustice, irrespective of the political party involved.
“If deception is wrong, it remains wrong regardless of who practices it. If corruption is wrong, it remains wrong regardless of political affiliation, and if injustice is wrong, it remains wrong regardless of the identity of the offender,” he said.
Ven. Fr. Eduah challenged pastors to remain the conscience of the nation by speaking on truth, justice, integrity, accountability and responsible leadership.
He also urged the Church to continue praying for political leaders and those entrusted with public office.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Lydia Kukua Asamoah