In a passionate and forward-looking address, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, t emphasized his party’s dedication to protecting religious freedom, fostering partnerships between the state and religious institutions, and safeguarding the moral values of the nation.
His remarks underscored the vital role of faith-based organizations in nation-building, particularly in education, agriculture, and community development.
John Mahama began by reaffirming his party’s commitment to ensuring that religious freedom remains protected under the NDC government.
He emphasized that leaders of faith and their works would be safeguarded from harassment or attacks, as mandated by the Constitution.
He assured the religious community that his government would foster an environment where worship and learning could thrive peacefully.
“The freedom of religion will be protected. As specified in our constitution, leaders of faith and their works will not be subjected to harassment or attacks. Our goal is to create communities where worship and learning can thrive in peace, meeting our people’s spiritual and educational needs with dignity.”
John Dramani Mahama the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Church-State Partnerships in Agriculture and Agribusiness
A significant part of John Mahama’s address focused on the potential for collaboration between the church and the state, particularly in the agricultural sector.
He highlighted the NDC’s plan to prioritize investments in agriculture and agribusiness, sectors where the church could play a pivotal role.
John Mahama pointed to the existing partnerships between the government and religious institutions in education and health, suggesting that similar partnerships could be established in agriculture.
“An NDC government will prioritize investments in agriculture and agribusiness, and we believe that this is an area in which the church and the state can have a healthy partnership… we can create space for the church to invest in the priority areas of income investment for the benefit of both the church and the nation.”
John Dramani Mahama the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
John Mahama proposed that the NDC government would actively seek the necessary collaboration from churches to invest in various agribusiness ventures.
“The government will seek partnership with the church in investing in, among others ad not limited to poultry production, oil palm production, cashew, rice production, cassava, vegetable, cocoa processing, livestock, and other areas of agribusiness.”
John Dramani Mahama the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
John Mahama also expressed his intention to enhance the cooperation between the government and the church in managing mission schools.
He acknowledged the significant investments religious missions have made in education.
“We will increase the representation of the church in the governing boards of these schools and will give the churches a greater say in choosing who the headmaster and the management of these schools will be.”
John Dramani Mahama the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Additionally, John Mahama outlined plans to work closely with the church on curriculum development, with a particular focus on strengthening the moral content of what is taught to children in schools.
This partnership aims to ensure that future generations are equipped with not only academic knowledge but also strong moral values. He noted; “We will work with the church on curriculum development in order that we can strengthen the moral content of what we teach our children.”
In line with his vision of a closer partnership between the government and religious organizations, John Mahama proposed the introduction of a Government-Church Partnership Program.
“We will introduce a government-church partnership program to incentivize faith-based institutions, to engage in community development projects such as continuing to render health services, participating in the education of our children, providing clean water, and youth empowerment in our society.”
John Dramani Mahama the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Opposition to LGBTQ+ and Other Social Practices
John Mahama also took the opportunity to address the controversial issue of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in light of the current legal impasse created by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration regarding the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and the Ghanaian Family Values Act.
He criticized the handling of the issue by the current administration, stating that the constitutional directives were clear and should not have resulted in the stalemate.
“As I have publicly stated, I’m a proud member of the Assemblies of God church, and my faith does not permit same-sex marriages or relationships, Nor does it endorse animal-human relationships or does it allow people to change their gender as they wish.”
John Dramani Mahama the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He assured the religious community that his administration would not permit the promotion of same- sex practices. He asserted; “I therefore assure you, that the promotion of LGBTQ+ and all the pluses will have no place in our schools and communities under my administration.”
John Dramani Mahama’s address highlighted the NDC’s dedication to religious freedom, the potential for meaningful partnerships with faith-based organizations, and the party’s strong stance on moral values.
Through these commitments, John Mahama aims to create a society where spiritual, educational, and economic needs are met with dignity and respect while safeguarding the moral fabric of Ghanaian society.
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