Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has called for stronger collaboration between government, faith-based organisations, and local communities to address emerging societal challenges and build a better society.
He said partnerships among these stakeholders were essential for promoting community development, human dignity, and moral values.
Mr Ibrahim made the call during the installation and induction ceremony of the newly elected executives of the Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani at St Anselm’s Cathedral in the Bono Region.
According to him, the government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of tackling national development challenges, stressing the need for collaboration in “building a society that promotes dignity, opportunity and moral responsibility.”
Held on the theme “Chosen, Appointed to Bear Fruit,” the event saw the induction of a seven-member executive team to lead the diocesan union.
Mr Ibrahim said leadership must produce tangible benefits for society.
“It reminds us that leadership must ultimately produce results that benefit others, because when leadership bears fruit, communities flourish,” he said.
He also expressed concern about what he described as the gradual erosion of communal values that once strengthened Ghanaian society.
“The spirit of nationalism is what gave us independence. However, today we are losing some of those values and are moving from it to individualism and from patriotism to selfishness,” he said.
“These are traits we must collectively fight against,” he added, urging the executives to serve as role models by promoting integrity, compassion, and unity in their communities.
Mr Ibrahim emphasised the critical role mothers play in shaping society and advised them to lead exemplary lives guided by wisdom, honesty, love, and a shared sense of purpose.
He commended the Mothers’ Union for sustaining its activities through prayer, service, and financial contributions, noting that faith-based organisations play an important role in supporting national development.
According to him, organisations such as the Mothers’ Union complement government initiatives in social protection, gender empowerment, education, and community development.
He noted that programmes such as girl-child education campaigns, health awareness initiatives, support for vulnerable groups, and advocacy for child protection contribute significantly to national development.
Mr. Ibrahim added that women’s empowerment, health education programmes, and the expansion of church outreach activities align with the government’s broader agenda of inclusive growth and social development.
Meanwhile, Festus Yeboah Asuamah, Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, urged the newly inducted executives to work diligently to achieve the broader vision of the Mothers’ Union.
The newly elected President of the union, Belinda Serwaa Addo, expressed gratitude to the diocese and pledged to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in the leadership for the holistic growth and development of the union.
