Public Office Must Be Guided by Integrity, Humility and Fairness- President Mahama
Pu office must be exercised with humility, honesty, integrity and fairness, urging leaders to remain attentive to the needs of citizens, particularly those whose concerns are least likely to reach the centres of power.
Faith should deepen the sense of responsibility of people entrusted with leadership and guide them to use their positions to improve the lives of others.
President John Dramani Mahama made the remarks at the opening of the 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Speaking to delegates from Ghana and other countries, he said religious faith should be reflected in the conduct of people who hold public positions, especially in how they relate to citizens and discharge their responsibilities.
“For those of us who are entrusted with public office, this entails a particular responsibility. Our faith should deepen our humility. It must strengthen our respect for our citizens. It must imbue us with honesty and integrity. It must sharpen our attention for those whose voices are least likely to reach the centre of power. The prayers offered for leaders impose on us a solemn obligation to serve conscientiously,” he said.
The President said leadership should be measured by the difference it made in the lives of people rather than by the status or recognition attached to the office.
“I dedicate myself to serve with humility and to remain mindful that the most enduring measure of leadership is the difference that it makes in the lives of people,” he stated.
He added that his Christian faith remained a source of strength and reflection in his public service, while stressing that his responsibility as President required him to serve all Ghanaians, regardless of their religious beliefs.
“Whatever distinction may be associated with my journey in public service, its meaning must be expressed through service. My Christian faith is a source of strength and reflection,” he said.
President Mahama explained that public responsibility required fairness towards Christians of different denominations, Muslims, adherents of traditional religion and citizens who did not profess any faith.
He said public officials should not allow personal beliefs to undermine their obligation to treat citizens with respect and equal concern.
The President also urged the Church to encourage honesty, compassion and responsible citizenship while maintaining its moral independence to speak about injustice and suffering.
He said prayers for national progress should encourage people to contribute through their own work, while prayers for justice should make them more attentive to people who were treated unfairly.
According to him, religious leaders and congregations could help strengthen public life by promoting values that encouraged people to act responsibly in their homes, workplaces and communities.
President Mahama urged delegates to use the congress to renew their commitment to service and to build partnerships that would benefit people beyond their congregations.
He said the influence of the Church should be evident in the conduct of its members and in the practical support they provided to people facing difficulties.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
