Enough Of the Talk, Build Public Confidence- CCG Tells Mahama

The leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has tasked government to work to build public confidence and find solutions to the deteriorating living standards of Ghanaians and stop the empty promises. According to CCG, the sky-rocketing prices of goods and services, the continuous hikes in fuel and utility prices as well as the depreciation of the cedi without a commensurate improvement in wages has led to the loss of confidence in the leaders by most Ghanaians. "The recent media reports about people committing suicide - some in churches, and demonstrations by citizens in some parts of the country against the current economic hardships are testament to the fact that, public confidence is fast fading", a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the General Secretary of CCG, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, underscored. The General Secretary noted that, words of assurance from the government were not enough, and implored government to go beyond just listening to concerns of Ghanaians and come out with lasting solutions that would bring relief to the ordinary Ghanaian. He was of the view that the Ghana's current economic hardship requires an urgent need for the leaders to begin taking concrete steps to restoring confidence in the people they represent. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong, observed that it was about time Churches actively displayed interest in national issues, articulate the concerns of their people and journey with them in finding solutions to the numerous challenges that confronts them. "In as much as it is important to continue to pray for our constituents, communities and country, we must begin to genuinely show concern about their plights, and be committed in helping them find solutions",the Reverend opined. Churches, he said, must provide resources and assistance to their members and communities in challenge, adding that "they must be willing to support families whose livelihoods are threatened and give hope to the hopeless. If people are looking for hope and support, the Church must be the first point of contact, and do so as Jesus would have done". The General Secretary admonished other religious leaders, traditional authorities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to also support the people they represented and share in their difficulties.