By Benjamin Akoto, GNA
Sunyani, (Bono), Oct. 19, GNA-Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, has called on faith-based organisations to prioritize and invest in basic education in the country.
He said a strong educational foundation remained essential to shaping the minds and future of children.
Mr Ibrahim also the Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency in the Bono Region made the call when speaking at the consecration and episcopal ordination of the Very Reverend Martin Amankwa as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Sunyani Anglican Diocese in Sunyani.
He emphasised that the role of faith-based organisation in shaping values and education of young people remained essential.
Referencing Proverbs 22:6, he added that even the Bible enjoined “us to nurture our children in the right way”.
Mr Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with religious organisations towards advancing quality education in the country.
He commended the faith-based organisations and the Anglican Church in particular for their contributions towards the growth and development of quality education.
Mr Ibrahim stressed that basic education was fundamental to the intellectual, moral and social development of children.
He called for a deepened partnership between the state and religious organisations towards improving educational outcomes, and to prepare the younger generation for the country’s future development.
Mr Ibrahim acknowledged the challenges associated with church leadership which required demanding responsibilities and encouraged the bishop co-adjutor to remain steadfast in his calling and rely on God for wisdom and strength.
Earlier, the Right Rev Oscar Christian Amoah, the Anglican Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese, emphasised the need for church leaders to develop the capacity required to fulfil their God-given mandate.
Delivering a sermon on the theme: “The mandate and capacity”, he stressed that: “Receiving a divine calling isn’t enough without the necessary knowledge, skills and resilience to execute the assignment”.
He urged church leaders to acknowledge their limitations and shortcomings and seek divine wisdom and guidance.
Rt Rev Amoah stressed the need for spiritual growth through prayer, intellectual development, moral integrity, and effective management of human and material resources.
“The more you know your people, the better you can serve them,” he stated, saying that: “We have to understand the needs and aspirations of those entrusted to our care”.
Rt Rev Amoah identified emotional resilience, courage, and strong faith as essential qualities for overcoming leadership challenges.
He said capacity building equipped leaders to become fit for purpose, manage resources responsibly and improve the effectiveness of their service.
Rt Rev Amoah urged church leaders to remain prayerful and seek divine direction to fulfil their mandate, assuring that God provided the strength and guidance needed to accomplish the task.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Kenneth Odng Adade
Reporter: Benjamin Akoto
Email: [email protected]