Ghanaian Politician Calls for Faith-Driven Economic Reform in Easter Address

Former Assin Central lawmaker Ken Ohene Agyapong urged religious leaders to collaborate with policymakers in reshaping Ghana’s economic trajectory during an Easter Sunday service at Accra’s Calvary Methodist Church.

Addressing congregants on April 20, 2025, Agyapong stressed the influential role clergy hold in shaping public attitudes, arguing that their partnership with politicians could catalyze national development.

“The people listen to you pastors and men of God more than they listen to politicians,” Agyapong said, emphasizing the potential for faith-based messaging to drive systemic change. He cited a sermon by prominent theologian Mensah Otabil, who has long advocated for individual accountability and patriotism as prerequisites for progress. “A shift in our collective mindset rejecting corruption, embracing integrity is essential,” Agyapong added, framing Otabil’s teachings as a blueprint for cross-sector collaboration.

The event drew a mix of political and religious figures, with Agyapong’s delegation including his wife, Christiana; two daughters; sitting and former MPs; New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency chairs; and allies. His appearance at the historically significant Adabraka church, a hub for Methodist congregants in the capital, underscored his push to align spiritual stewardship with governance.

Ghana’s economic challenges, including inflation and debt management, have dominated public discourse in recent years. Agyapong’s appeal reflects a broader trend among African leaders seeking to leverage religious networks for civic engagement, though critics caution against conflating spiritual guidance with policy-making. Historically, Ghanaian clergy have periodically in national debates, from anti-corruption campaigns to electoral mediation, yet formal partnerships remain rare.

The Easter message arrives as political factions gear up for the 2028 general elections, with the NPP seeking to consolidate support amid internal rivalries. Analysts note Agyapong’s visibility at religious gatherings could signal outreach efforts to faith communities, a key demographic in Ghana’s voter landscape. While his proposal lacks concrete policy frameworks, it taps into widespread frustration over bureaucratic inefficiency, positioning moral renewal as both a spiritual and economic imperative.

Methodist leadership has not yet publicly responded to the remarks, though clergy members privately acknowledge the delicate balance between advocacy and partisanship. As Ghana navigates its post-pandemic recovery, the interplay of pulpit and podium may increasingly shape narratives around governance a dynamic echoing global debates on faith’s role in public life.