THEME: THE SCEPTER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: ESTABLISHING THE GOD-MAN ORDER IN NATIONAL GOVERNANCE 

The first reshuffle of ministerial appointments by President Kufuor as would be expected has received much publicity as well as much a comment. Whilst there seems to be general acceptance not only of the President’s right, authority and power to reshuffle ministerial appointments, there is also general agreement that the President is in control of affairs of state. Some commentators have however suggested that the President did not go far enough.  That further reshuffle is inevitable, based ostensibly on their perception and evaluation of the performance of particular ministers and not the performance of the government as a whole. 

We write on the same subject but from a different standpoint, to help ministerial appointees and public office holders in general, the political parties and general citizenry of the country appreciate the spiritual direction of the country and the spiritual, political and socio-cultural forces that are working to determine the course and state of the ship of state and affairs of the nation in general. 

Before doing so, may we humbly plead with the citizenry and all to desist from taking up and assuming the office of the president for and on behalf of themselves and perhaps their friends and admirers. By this, we are pleading that citizens must exercise some restraint, be circumspect, seek to be properly or at least adequately informed so as not to give the impression that The President is not awake, is incompetent or is not up to the task. 

In this regard it is worthy to know, pay attention to, and respect the fact that the king has many ears.  That, The President has more detailed information and facts on affairs of state than all.  That The President’s decisions are determined or based on factors generally speaking unknown, inadequately available to the citizenry, this not to mention the President’s own standards and measures of performance, his Vision, the Expected End of his Administration, and his style of doing business. 

For example, as Minister of State Elizabeth Ohene pointed out, the first ministerial reshuffle took quite a time of deliberation and we hope also prayer by The President.  Affairs of State are not handled by impulse.  Ministerial appointment may be more than the game of chess, the aim being the good management of affairs and ultimate good of the country.  We cannot ignore in this respect business management strategy of the President.   

Therefore, citizens need to seek to be informed and knowledgeable about what they speak on, and in the end be charitable in their comments about affairs of state and the democratic process.  Above all, citizens need to be honest and humble in canvassing their ideas and/or standpoint on affairs of state. We have duty and right to comment on national affairs.  Let us do so, we must do so.  Let us bring input of ideas and information, undergirded by efficient and hard work at our and all levels in the service to God, Country and People. 

In doing so, of course we have no minds nor intention to usurp office, disrupt efficient management of affairs and the Good of the land.  Thus, be it as it may, let us not run the show for the president.  Let us not take over the office either.  Let us be mindful of the President’s Constitutional tasks, personal responsibility and if we would grant that, his desire for sound and successful management for good results, Good Governance and the Good of Ghana. 

On Ministerial and Cabinet Reshuffle, we will agree with many that this may not be the last.  

We say this for three reasons.  First, God Almighty the Creator has placed his hands on the country.  God has His Hands, Interest and Plans for Ghana.  He is working things out to bring all to pass and fulfilment. 

That being the case, President Kufuor is not running the affairs of the country alone, that is, all by Himself.  God is in the saddle and above the saddle with him.  God is working out a definite agenda to make Ghana a Beulah land for his own glory in all the earth.  

Accordingly, all Ministers of State and all Government or State Appointees need to understand this, reason clearly and take decision to seek to know and honour God Almighty and serve the country with all humility and fear, diligence and understanding. 

That is to say, anyone who does not Know, who Rejects and would not honor God the creator has but scanty chance with the Kufuor administration.  God is on His throne. 

Second, it is necessary to appreciate in this respect that, as the Holy Scriptures declare, righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.  Righteousness and Sin have many interpretations and connotations. 

Biblically speaking, Righteousness pertains to the acknowledgement, honor and worship of the true God, The Creator alone.  This Biblical Righteousness is established in obedience of the Laws and Commandments of God, supported by or demonstrated in the Truth and Proper Spiritual and Religious conduct and cultural orientation in the Knowledge and Fear of God the Creator, not idols nor the gods of the tribes. The scriptures reveal further that righteousness is attained, nurtured and established through faith in Jesus Christ who has made the supreme sacrifice of obedience and fulfilment of the law and prophets via His Love, Obedience and Death on the cross for and on behalf of all men. 

Righteousness pertains in the final analysis to acceptance, obedience, knowledge and honor of God through faith in Jesus Christ.  This is God’s Will for all men, all nations, and all peoples.  Ghana is no exception. 

Sin on the other hand implies therefore not just disobedience of the Law of God but disregard and rejection of God, His Truth, Wisdom and Way and His testimony about His son Jesus Christ, acclaimed Saviour of the world. It may be appreciated in this respect that Biblical Righteousness is acceptable, pleasing and of a higher standing before God than religious, moral and honorable conduct of the nations.  The righteousness of men, the Bible declares is but filthy rags. 

Third, it is worthy to note on this score, that President Kufuor has edicted two practical measures of conduct as platform for and basis for inclusion in his government.  These are The Rule of Law and Zero Tolerance with Corruption. That is to say, Righteousness for Ghana in the Kufuor Administration and Beyond is biblical righteousness, as defined above plus The Rule of Law and Zero Tolerance. This makes Technocratic, Legal, Scientific and Professional Competence, Party, Tribal, Family and Relational Connection and Loyalty of lower consequence in the Kufuor Administration. 

In the final analysis God will judge and measure President Kufuor’s own personal conduct and performance in the crucible of Righteousness.  

From the above angle, we are fully persuaded that Ministerial and Cabinet Reshuffle, changes in State Appointments and the fortunes of the ship of State on the High Seas will continue during, until and beyond The Kufuor Administration, until a new stable equilibrium of acceptable Political, Legal, Social and Cultural conduct is established.  

There is one cardinal truth Ghana must know.  Ghana is in the hands of God.  Any and all spiritual, religious, political and cultural movement to remove God’s hands, run the affairs of the country, change the destiny of the nation or for that matter disturb the peace of the land and the fortunes of the ship of state outside the divine plan, purposes and glory will fail.  the writing is on the wall. 

Let us comment.  Yet, let us be mindful of our duty and responsibility towards The Good of the Land.  Above all, let us acknowledge and respect God’s hand upon our beloved country.  God sees and knows all things.   

President Kufuor, keep on with the march.  Let no one, no spirit nor power, nothing distract you on the noble task of Building Ghana unto a righteous, God fearing and blessed nation of redeemed and blessed people, holy unto God.   

GOD IS ON GHANA’S SIDE!  We shall overcome!!  

October 16, 2001