Accra: Rev. Jean-Paul Agidi, Minister in charge of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana at Akim Oda, emphasized that God takes great interest in human dignity, particularly concerning the marginalised. He urged those in political, traditional, and religious positions, as well as individuals in civil authority, to perform their duties with humility, probity, diligence, and accountability, keeping God in mind.

According to Ghana News Agency, Rev. Agidi delivered this message during a sermon at the Akim Oda branch of the Church on the theme ‘responsibility to the marginalised.’ He drew upon scriptural references from Psalm 146, Amos 6:4-7, I Timothy 6:6-19, and Luke 16:19-31 to underline the importance of leadership and its impact on society, the nation, and the Church.

Rev. Agidi pointed out that leadership or holding a position of power is a special calling because the success or failure of a nation, society, or Church hinges on leadership and governance. He noted that some people naturally gravitate towards leadership to gain power and accumulate wealth.

The minister reminded leaders of their accountability to God, emphasizing that they should use their power for societal, national, and Church development. He stressed that leadership and wealth should be directed towards preserving human dignity and ensuring justice and protection for the poor and vulnerable.

Rev. Agidi described the marginalised as individuals with less power, fewer resources, or limited access to opportunities due to race, gender, disability, poverty, religion, sexual orientation, or immigration status. These groups are often socially, economically, and systemically disadvantaged and politically excluded, deemed unworthy by the dominant societal class.

He highlighted that it is the ethical responsibility of leaders, especially Christians, to recognize, support, protect, and uplift these marginalised groups. Rev. Agidi urged leaders to avoid corrupt practices and the mismanagement of resources entrusted to them.

Expressing concerns about some leaders’ records of wickedness and oppressive behavior, Rev. Agidi warned that such lives would end miserably. He reminded leaders and the wealthy that they would ultimately be accountable for their earthly stewardship and on judgment day.

Rev. Agidi noted a direct relationship between power and wealth, clarifying that while not all wealthy individuals hold power, wealth often leads to power, particularly in partisan politics and some traditional political circles. He observed similar dynamics in ecclesiastical politics.

Rev. Agidi called on leaders to respect human dignity and justice and to care for the poor and vulnerable by ensuring a fair distribution of national wealth.