President Akufo-Addo receiving painting of Jesus Christ from Rev. Fr Campbell
President Akufo-Addo has been advised to stay focused in delivering his promises and not be distracted by what his critics would say, especially about the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
The advice was given by the Parish Priest of the Christ The King Catholic Church in Accra, Revered Father Andrew Campbell, when he and members of the church council paid a courtesy call on the president at the Flagstaff House yesterday.
As people involved in providing support to several needy children to acquire formal education, the priest said, “We are well placed to assess the impact of such transformative policy on most families in Ghana and also offer some comment.
“Please do not be disillusioned by your critics and the implementation difficulties you will encounter. Sir, you are on the right path and you do have our full support,” Father Campbell assured.
He and the other priests commended President Akufo-Addo for his decision to stamp out the activities of illegal miners in the country, popularly known as ‘galamsey.’
“Though a very difficult decision, you managed to implement it and deserve commendation. Please see it to the very end, which includes restoring the degraded environment, including the water bodies and the vegetation, and facilitating the young ones involved to get skills training and sustainable employment,” Fr Campbell entreated.
President Akufo-Addo was also commended for the implementation of the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ and the ‘One District, One Factory’ initiatives.
The church commended the programmes because of their employment generation potentials for the youth.
The council also urged the president not to relent in his resolve to eliminate indiscipline, especially bribery and corruption from Ghana.
“We urge you not to look at persons, positions, relations and status in enforcing rules and regulations. This is the only way that the habit of discipline will be built. Additionally, Sir, as you punish wrongdoing, try to reward right or honest behaviour, especially in public office. This, we believe, is a sure path to bringing about change.
“The change that Ghana needs, in our view, is about each and every Ghanaian behaving differently, and starting with those in leadership. We are solidly behind you,” he underscored.
President Akufo-Addo said the initiatives being undertaken by the Catholic Church which were mentioned by Rev Fr. Campbell are part of the work that the church had been doing in Ghana over the centuries.
He therefore stressed the need for an effective collaboration between the church and the state.
In that regard, the president called for a meeting between the church and state actors to also assist it (church) to succeed in its drive.
“The manner in which we can help must be concrete and that is why it is important that we engage further because the initiatives that you are embarking on would ultimately be in the interest of the Ghanaian people,” he remarked.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent