Cardinal Turkson calls on leaders and citizens to adopt honesty and compassion while denouncing Ghana’s growing levels of greed.
He has voiced grave concerns about the nation’s rising levels of greed.
He issued a warning against the nation’s shared resources being deteriorated by what he called unbridled greed and the pursuit of self-interest.
Cardinal Turkson lamented that this was endangering future generations as well as the environment.
The revered man of God made the following observation yesterday at Ghana’s first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in the forecourt of the Jubilee House in Accra:
“Our land is rich and endowed. It must serve all, not be destroyed by greed.”
“The Pra River no longer yields prawns and shrimps. Children who swim in our rivers are exposed to cyanide and mercury.
“Our church hospitals are seeing rising cases of birth deformities. These are the consequences of irresponsible exploitation,” Cardinal Turkson lamented.
He warned that those who take advantage of Ghana’s natural resources, such as its rivers and forests, for their own benefit at the expense of the country are causing them to be depleted, using the environmental concept of the tragedy of the commons.
Cardinal Turkson urged Ghanaians to redefine prosperity, stressing that fair access to food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, education, and peace must all be considered in addition to economic success.
“True prosperity means a Ghana where every citizen flourishes, not just a few,” he emphasised.
Cardinal Turkson made a strong appeal for the nation’s conscience to reestablish moral principles. He exhorted Ghanaians to adopt moral bravery, unity, and a fresh dedication to the common good.
According to the revered clergyman, the country is at a turning point that necessitates introspection, a moral reset, and spiritual rejuvenation.
“This day must go beyond words. It is a sacred call to moral clarity, national courage, and spiritual awakening for fashioning a Ghana of opportunities for the inclusive well-being of all its children,” he stated.
Cardinal Turkson, who drew inspiration from the book of Jeremiah, compared Ghana’s predicament to that of ancient Israel and urged its people to “stand at the crossroads” and make the correct decision.
In order to create a fair and inclusive future, he urged the country to consider its fundamental principles, which are represented by its coat of arms and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s vision, and to learn from the past.
Cardinal Turkson emphasized that the President is not solely responsible for national reform, even as he acknowledged the importance of political leadership.
“Whatever vision of Ghana we express, we must also know our place in that vision. We need virtuous Ghanaians who live for more than personal gain,” he stressed.
“You don’t need to be a priest or pastor. Every Ghanaian must live responsibly and think of the common good,” he said.
Regardless of their position in society, Cardinal Turkson advised all citizens to live moral lives, act honorably, and put the good of the community before their own interests.
Cardinal Turkson reaffirmed the day’s theme, “Reflection, Reset and Renewal for National Prosperity,” as a guide for social and spiritual change as he concluded his speech.
“Let us reflect, reset, and renew so Ghana can be a land of prosperous living for the well-being of all,” he concluded.
Cardinal Turkson urged Ghanaians to embrace a strong feeling of fraternity, compassion, and national responsibility as well as to pray for the country continuously.
Source: newsthemegh.com