Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has stated that corruption has become very rampant in Ghana.
He said this while delivering an address at a public lecture organized by the Adentan District of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) in Accra on Wednesday under the theme: “In Pursuit of Integrity Towards Service To God And Mankind.”
The lecture, held inside the auditorium of the Osu Ebenezer Church, formed part of activities marking the 10th anniversary celebration of the Adentan District.
Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle noted that corruption has penetrated every aspect of the Ghanaian society.
The outspoken Christian cleric stated emphatically that politicians, religious leaders and other persons occupying positions of authority had become very addicted to corrupt practices for their individual benefits at the expense of the advancement of the kingdom of God and mankind.
According to him, on a daily basis, huge sums of money which could have otherwise been used to promote national development are being siphoned by corrupt government officials, so-called pastors and bishops who parade the streets with impunity while persons who are accused of stealing plantain and oranges are sent to languish in prisons across the country.
Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle also spoke extensively about other social ails militating against the progress of Ghana, a country perceived to be highly religious.
He spoke about rising rates of fornication, rape, armed robbery, money laundering, among others, likening Ghana to biblical Sodom and Gomorrah where such acts were common.
“Mosques, Churches are springing up all over the country. There are many prayer camps as there are many drinking spots in Accra,” he said while pointing out that as more Ghanaians proclaim to be religious, the more they deliberately commit sin.
The foregone notwithstanding, the Archbishop believes there’s still hope to redeem Ghana from sinful deeds.
“We must begin Ghana anew with you students,” he told a group of students at the lecture, calling for a paradigm shift in Ghanaians’ approach to national duty.
Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 10th Anniversary Celebration who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Fanteakwa South in the Eastern Region, Kofi Okyere-Agyekum, told DAILY GUIDE that concerns raised by Most Rev Palmer-Buckle were the true reflections of what obtains in the Ghanaian society.