Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Chairman, the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC), has presented a nine-point proposal for national development to the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, for his consideration.
The proposal includes collaborative efforts to address poverty and unemployment; support for healthcare delivery; promoting national peace and social cohesion; support for education through mission schools, and tax incentives for corporate social responsibility.
The rest are community designated spaces for churches, institution of a National Day of Prayer, 120-Day Social Contract – Operation Recover All Loot (ORL) and addressing Illegal mining (Galamsey) and environmental degradation.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams, who is also the Presiding Archbishop and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, presented the proposal to the President-elect at his office at Cantonment in Accra, on behalf of the NACCC and the Apostolic Fathers of the Christian faith in Ghana.
Members of the delegation include Bishop Dr Gideon Titi-Ofei, Secretary, NACCC, Dr Lawrence Tetteh, President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Rev Sam Korankye Ankrah, Apostle General of the Royal House Chapel International, and Rev Dr Isaac Quaye, General Overseer, Word of Life Christian Centre.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams extended hearty congratulations to Mr Mahama on his victory in the December 7 polls.
“We commend your vision for national renewal and inclusive governance. He said as partners in Ghana’s progress, the church had long contributed to education, health, social welfare, and the spiritual development of citizens,” he said.
“…We know God will guide you, preserve you, and give you what it takes to move this nation, according to his mandate, to where he wants to take this nation to.”
“And we want to pray and believe that in your term of office, the negative narratives that have plagued the governments of this country will change and we will see a new and beautiful government.”
Mr Mahama expressed gratitude to Archbishop Duncan-Williams and all the Apostolic Fathers for their prayer support for him.
“I want to express my gratitude for the guidance and counsel you provided during my time in opposition.”
Touching on the circumstances leading to his victory in the December 7 polls, the President-elect said it had been evident that Ghana was crying for a reset and showed by the recent surveys, which indicated the people were yearning for change and a new direction.
“The responsibility has been placed on me to chart this new course. I pray that God grants us the spirit of unity to work together and move Ghana forward,” Mr Mahama said.
He said Ghana was once touted as the “Black Star” of Africa, but the nation had declined significantly.
“At several international conferences I attended, people were deeply concerned about what was happening to Ghana. However, we are determined to turn things around and restore our country’s pride,” he said.
President-elect Mahama mentioned cited the collapse of businesses, growing disillusionment among young people, and loss of faith in the nation’s democracy as some of the crises Ghana faced, adding; “We must address these issues and restore trust”.
He said recent security briefings showed that the security situation remained a significant concern, both internally and externally, and urgent measures were needed to protect the nation.
He hailed the church's role in the educational and healthcare sectors of the economy and pledged to strengthen partnerships with the churches to manage schools and hospitals effectively.
GNA