The National Ministers� Conference of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has urged government to make the fight against corruption its top priority.
The Conference pointed out that excuses, feeble rationalization and the seemingly lack of political will, would have to change.
The priests said they wanted to see offenders both �the tigers and small flies� punished.
The Reverend Dr. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, President of the Conference, conveyed the sentiments at the opening of their annual meeting in Kumasi.
He noted that �official fleece� had become a huge threat to the country�s development, affecting the quality of lives of majority of the people.
Nothing could be more heart-wrenching than the attempts to justify corruption �by arguing it was worse under this or that government,� instead of taking the �bull by the horns.�
He rallied the church and other anti-corruption crusaders to stand up against the evil �so as to make it a disincentive.
There was the need for clear leadership to help the people to refuse to give or take bribes in high and low places and get themselves in �conflict of interest situations�.
�We need leaders who will love to live simpler lifestyles, and not be envious of other people�s ill-gotten luxurious lifestyles�, he added.
The Rev Dr. Mante asked African political leaders to emulate the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela, who personified the values of modesty, simplicity and transparency.
He reminded his colleague ministers of the gospel to remain focused in their missionary work to salvage society from social ills.
The Right Rev Professor Emmanuel Martey, Moderator of the PCG, asked the conference participants to take the issues, discuss them seriously to enhance their spiritual growth.
<<Print>>