The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has urged Christian Leaders to patronize the 2023 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel that includes visits to very historic and memorable locations cited in the Bible. This follows the resumption of the pilgrimage after a halt due to restrictions of COVID-19 pandemic. The pilgrimage is scheduled to run from October 2023 to January 2024.

He noted that the Christian Pilgrimage in Israel is a unique opportunity for Christians to have real-life experience with their favorite Bible stories while enhancing their spirituality and bond with God. Hon. Asamoah Boateng was speaking at the 2023 National Leadership Conference of the Christian Council of Ghana on Tuesday, 19^th September 2023 in Accra.

With reference to the theme of the Conference, the Minister was of the view that transformation must target the younger generation as social media is snatching them away, making them forget what is right. He said there is the need to mentor and coach these young ones so they can become ethical leaders.

He re-echoed the need for a National Policy on Religion, stating that it is important to have a policy that has all the key ingredients that makes religion what it is for faith-based organizations to self-regulate themselves while weeding out the charlatans.

The Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard Dogbe said currently the Council is made up of Thirty-two (32) churches and organizations and they have been actively involved in all general elections held in Ghana prior to Independence as a moral conscience to the nation.

He indicated that the Conference is to proactively engage with the National and Religious Leaders to help transform the minds of people and raise ethical leaders even as the country goes to the polls next year.

Touching on the theme, ‘Ethical Leadership and National Transformation’ he expressed the hope that by the end of the conference, the transformation they seek as leaders will materialize when they prioritize ethical leadership, adding that this forms part of the role of the church and its engagement with the state.

Source: Public Affairs and Communication Unit, MCRA