The Ghana Baptist Convention Ministers’ Conference has frowned on the falling moral standards across the country. The Conference expressed grave concern over persistent decline in moral standards and called for urgent parental guidance, public education and appropriate policies to promote healthy and balanced use of technology among young children.
The position of the Ministers was articulated by Rev. Victor Brew, President of the Ghana Baptist Convention Ministers’ Conference, while addressing the Ghana Baptist Convention’s 63rd Annual Refresher Course, Retreat and Business Session, held at Ejura in the Ashanti Region last Thursday.
This year’s conference was under the theme: “The Disciple-Making Minister; Holy and Competent, Reflecting Christ to the World.”
Rev. Brew noted that the erosion of core values continues to affect national development and social cohesion.
His worry about the continued decline in moral standards is premised on the fact that 71.3% of Ghanaians are Christians, citing the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
“We are all aware that the Ghana Statistical Service data states that about 71.3% of Ghanaians profess to be Christians, however, there is a need to examine the depth of its impact, as the nation is currently confronted with several critical social, moral and infrastructure challenges that require deliberate attention and coordinated action,” the reverend minister noted.
According to him, unregulated access to technology among children is a key driver of the continued decline in morality.
“Screen addiction among toddlers and children has become an increasing concern, as excessive exposure to digital devices is affecting early childhood development, social skills and learning abilities,” Rev. Brew noted.
On the spate of exam malpractice, the head of the Ministers Conference pushed for stricter law enforcement, uphold of ethical values and a renewed commitment to integrity and excellence in education.
He said: “Examination malpractice continues to undermine the integrity of our educational system. This practice erodes moral values, diminishes the credibility of academic qualifications, and weakens the foundation of national development”.
On the conference theme, Rev Victor Brew acknowledged unresolved conflicts within churches and expressed hope that the conference will equip ministers with skills in conflict prevention and conflict resolution.
He referenced a recent viral clip of members clashing with church leaders and hoped ministers would be guided by the scripture, which prescribes that “a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle.”
He noted that, “Even within the church, there is unresolved conflict” and assured that the conference would equip ministers with skills in conflict prevention and conflict resolution.
The President, Ghana Baptist Convention Ministers’ Conference, entreated the ministers to press forward with the purpose of spreading the Gospel globally, which requires “effort, intentionality, sacrifice and focus”, noting that the ultimate goal is not just to start well but to finish strong and thus maintain integrity, remain focused and keep their eyes on the ultimate prize.
