Unite to promote peace, love- Clergy charges nation at Easter

Religious leaders across Ghana have called on Christians and all citizens to focus on what unites the country rather than what divides it, urging collective action to promote peace, reconciliation, and harmony.

In their Easter messages delivered ahead of the celebrations, the clerics emphasised that as the hope of the world, Christians must actively work to address conflicts at home and abroad, citing the situations in Nkwanta South, South Sudan, and the Middle East.

Catholic Bishops: Rise Above Harmful Tendencies

A statement signed by the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), Most Rev. Matthew K. Gyamfi, said Easter should make Ghanaians realise that “we are one people”.

“The peace that Christ gives at Easter should make us rise above all negative or harmful tendencies and see ourselves as members of one nation. As members of the one family of Ghanaians, let us realise that there is a need for us to live in unity and peace,” the statement read.

The Bishops urged Ghanaians to eschew all ethnocentric tendencies, actions, and statements that could disturb the nation’s peace, adding that people of different religious persuasions should continue to live together peacefully and use legitimate means to resolve differences.

Presbyterian Church: Easter Speaks into a Troubled World

Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, described Easter as the very foundation of Christian hope and the divine answer to human brokenness.

He noted that the message of Easter speaks powerfully into a world witnessing conflicts, economic instability, injustice, and suffering on a global scale, particularly in the Gulf Region and other areas of hostility.

“Back home in Ghana, we have recently received news of the escalation of conflict in Nkwanta and other areas. This is unacceptable and must stop,” he said, adding that the Church is called to be the light of the world, nurturing faith, strengthening families, and building communities grounded in love and truth.

Methodist Church: Humility, Service, and Renewal

Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, expressed hope that the celebrations would inspire purpose and renewal as the nation builds its collective destiny.

“Easter assures us that the path of humility, service, and even suffering, when we walk with Christ, leads to fullness of life,” he said.

He noted that the season of Lent coincided with the sacred period of Ramadan, extending greetings to Muslim brothers and sisters observing Eid-ul-Fitr. He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

Assemblies of God: Be Agents of Peace

Rev. Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, described Easter as the most powerful and hopeful moment in history, but lamented that “darkness seems to have eclipsed much of the world”.

“War mongering is on the rise, and peace building is on the wane. We have a collective responsibility to act quickly and wisely to reverse this trend,” he said.

He called on all Ghanaians to be agents of peace – to preach peace, facilitate peace, and pray for enduring peace – adding that a strong sense of unity among leaders and followers would transform the nation significantly.

Church of Pentecost: A Transformative Encounter

Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, urged every Christian to view Easter not as a routine celebration but as a transformative encounter with the Living God.

“This season is not a mere tradition to be observed, but an invitation to encounter the Resurrection Power that inspires revival and breaks every yoke across our land,” he said.

He stressed that if Jesus could not be confined to the grave, then the resurrection power is not confined either – it is present in streets and homes for everyone to experience.

Great Commission: Sin’s Power Destroyed

Apostle Dr Samuel Vincent Ansah, Chairman of the Ghana National Council of the Great Commission Church International (GCCI), reflected on the crucifixion as God’s ultimate act of love that destroyed the power of sin.

He cited social, economic, and political evils such as galamsey, corruption, immorality, and all forms of wickedness as outputs of man’s sinful nature, but gave thanks that God destroyed the power to live and do wrong through His Son Jesus on the cross.

Evangelical Presbyterian: Leadership Rooted in Humility

Rt. Rev. Dr Lt Col. Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (Rtd), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana, reminded leaders that authority is not absolute and that a leader is answerable to God, accountable to the people, and subject to law and conscience.

“Humility sets aside pride and craving for recognition, focusing rather on faithful service to God and mankind,” he said, adding that courage and humility together form the pivot of godly leadership.

“All must remember: leadership is temporary but legacy is not. Leaders must know they are custodians, not owners. We must serve well, serve humbly, serve courageously,” he concluded.