Addressing Corruption and Unemployment: A Call to Action from Senior Presidential Advisor.
Yaw Osafo-Marfo, Senior Presidential Advisor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has raised a significant concern about the escalating issue of corruption in the country. In his view, corruption is on a troubling rise, and he believes that the Church has a pivotal role to play in combating this challenge. Speaking at the 23rd General Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana held at Kwahu Abetifi in the Eastern Region, Osafo-Marfo emphasized the need for collective efforts to address these pressing issues.
Drawing attention to the prevalence of corruption, Osafo-Marfo questioned the moral implications for a country where a substantial portion of illicitly obtained public funds, approximately 70%, is misappropriated by individuals who identify as Christians. He urged introspection within the Christian community, particularly given that about 70% of the population practices Christianity. He challenged the effectiveness of moral teachings and sermons in influencing behavior and fostering ethical conduct.
He stated, “If we are not able to do anything to make certain changes then Christianity itself has a problem in terms of making our words work.” Osafo-Marfo called for a reevaluation of strategies and a renewed commitment to instilling moral values that can effectively counteract the rising tide of corruption.
Furthermore, Osafo-Marfo addressed the pressing issue of graduate unemployment, deeming it a matter of national security concern. He attributed the alarming rates of unemployment to a shift in the education system’s focus from hands-on skills training to theory-based learning. He expressed his discomfort with the dominance of humanity courses in universities and the lack of emphasis on technical programs.
Osafo-Marfo emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to these challenges, urging both the Christian community and the government to collaborate and take decisive actions to combat corruption and address unemployment. He advocated for a return to hands-on skills training and the reinvigoration of technical programs to equip graduates with practical skills that match the demands of the job market.
Osafo-Marfo’s remarks underscore the importance of addressing these critical issues for the betterment of Ghana’s future.
