The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, has called for Ghana’s fight against corruption to begin at the basic-school level, arguing that ethical education must be deliberately incorporated into the country’s educational system.
According to him, attempts to address corruption only after people enter public office, professional practice or national leadership may come too late because their values and attitudes would already have been formed.
Apostle Nyamekye made the remarks while addressing the 2026 National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra on Wednesday, July 1.
“If corruption is a problem, let’s start dealing with it from the primary school so that when somebody gets to the university, Ethics and National Development becomes a compulsory course,” he said.
He proposed that ethics, patriotism, integrity and national development should be taught continuously from primary school to the tertiary level.
Under his proposal, university students would be required to study Ethics and National Development regardless of whether they were training to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, accountants or other professionals.
Building a New Ghanaian
Apostle Nyamekye explained that Ghana’s long-term development would depend on producing a new generation of citizens who place the national interest above personal, political, ethnic and religious considerations.
“We need to have a new Ghanaian who will love the flag of Ghana above everything else,” he stated.
He maintained that corruption could not be defeated solely through arrests, prosecutions and institutional reforms. Those interventions, he suggested, must be supported by a deeper transformation in the values and character of citizens.
The Pentecost Chairman said children should be taught from an early age to understand the consequences of corruption and the importance of honesty, accountability, hard work and service to the nation.
He argued that consistent ethical instruction throughout a person’s education could help shape responsible citizens and reduce the tendency to misuse public office for personal benefit.
Apostle Nyamekye expressed confidence that introducing structured anti-corruption education at every level could gradually change attitudes and help Ghana address the problem in the future.
Corruption Despite Ghana’s Religious Identity
The respected clergyman also questioned why corruption remained widespread despite Ghana’s strong religious identity and the large number of citizens who regularly attend places of worship.
He argued that public expressions of faith must be reflected in the daily conduct of citizens, particularly in workplaces, businesses, schools, churches and state institutions.
“We all go to church, but why are we still battling with corruption?” he asked.
According to him, Ghana’s challenges are not only economic or institutional but also moral. He therefore called for a renewal of the national mindset, urging citizens to reject dishonesty, greed and other conduct that undermines development.
Apostle Nyamekye said religious participation would have limited value to the country unless it produced people who demonstrated integrity in both their private and professional lives.
He encouraged churches and other religious organisations to focus on developing ethical citizens who would positively influence the institutions and sectors in which they served.
Four Approaches to National Transformation
During his address, Apostle Nyamekye outlined several measures he believed could contribute to building a more responsible and prosperous Ghana.
He called for moral renewal at the individual level, reforms in education, stronger entrepreneurship training and the restoration of family values.
On education, he proposed structured civic and ethical training from the basic level to tertiary institutions.
He also advocated greater attention to entrepreneurship and practical skills, arguing that Ghana’s educational system should prepare more young people to create employment rather than depend entirely on the limited number of jobs available in the public and private sectors.
Apostle Nyamekye further urged religious institutions to avoid excessive concentration on material prosperity and rituals while neglecting the development of righteous and responsible citizens.
He said lasting national transformation must also begin within families, where children first learn values, discipline and respect for others.
Beyond Prayer to Responsible Action
The Church of Pentecost Chairman emphasised that prayer was important but could not replace deliberate planning, responsible leadership, strong institutions and disciplined action.
He encouraged political leaders to move beyond short-term policies designed around electoral cycles and develop a long-term national vision that could continue across successive governments.
Apostle Nyamekye also cautioned against allowing superstition and politically motivated prophecies to dominate national conversations during election periods.
He maintained that Ghana’s progress would depend on citizens and leaders combining faith with responsible governance, sound planning and a commitment to national development.
“God has not abandoned Ghana,” he said, while encouraging citizens to remain hopeful and work collectively towards the transformation of the country.
Mahama Leads Gathering in Hymn and Prayer
President John Dramani Mahama, who participated in the national event, opened his address by leading the gathering in the popular Christian hymn, “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing.”
He subsequently offered prayers for God’s mercy, protection and favour over Ghana and its people.
“We thank God for this day. We thank Him for His protection. We thank Him for His mercy on all of us and on our country,” the President said.
The moment formed part of the wider programme, which brought together political leaders, religious representatives and citizens to pray and reflect on the country’s future.
July 1 was officially designated as Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving by President Mahama to unite citizens of different faiths in gratitude, reflection and prayer for the nation.
The annual observance was established as a national occasion for citizens to express gratitude for Ghana’s peace, stability and progress while seeking divine guidance for the country.
Education as a Long-Term Anti-Corruption Strategy
Apostle Nyamekye’s proposal places schools at the centre of Ghana’s anti-corruption campaign.
While state institutions are expected to investigate and prosecute corruption, the clergyman believes education can help prevent the conduct by shaping attitudes before young people enter positions of authority.
His remarks suggest that subjects dealing with ethics and citizenship should not be treated as optional or secondary topics but as essential components of national development.
He argued that a young person who understands the social and economic consequences of corruption may be more likely to resist bribery, favouritism, abuse of office and the misappropriation of public resources later in life.
The proposal also places responsibility on parents, teachers, religious leaders and public officials to demonstrate the values they expect children to learn.
Apostle Nyamekye concluded with a call for Ghanaians to reset their values and work towards building a country founded on righteousness, patriotism and responsibility.
“Let us alter the course of this nation for a better Ghana, forever and ever. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns us all. God bless Ghana,” he declared.
Source: Kwabena Danso-Dapaah
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