Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson has expressed serious concerns over increasing levels of greed in the country.
He cautioned against what he described as unchecked greed and the pursuit of selfish gain, which are degrading the country’s shared resources.
This, Cardinal Turkson bemoaned, is threatening both the environment and future generations.
Speaking at Ghana’s maiden National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at forecourt of the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday, the respected man of God pointed out that,
“Our land is rich and endowed. It must serve all—not be destroyed by greed.”
He referenced the environmental concept of the tragedy of the commons, warning that Ghana’s natural resources, like its rivers and forests, are being depleted by those who exploit them for personal gain at the expense of the nation.
“The Pra River no longer yields prawns and shrimps. Children who swim in our rivers are exposed to cyanide and mercury.
“Our church hospitals are seeing rising cases of birth deformities. These are the consequences of irresponsible exploitation,” Cardinal Turkson lamented.
Prosperity beyond wealth
Cardinal Turkson challenged Ghanaians to redefine prosperity, emphasising that national success must go beyond economic figures to include equitable access to food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, education, and peace.
“True prosperity means a Ghana where every citizen flourishes, not just a few,” he emphasised.
Moral reset needed
Cardinal Turkson issued a powerful national call to conscience to reset moral standards in the country.
He urged Ghanaians to embrace moral courage, solidarity, and a renewed commitment to the common good.
The respected cleric said the nation stands at a point that demands reflection, a reset of values, and spiritual renewal.
“This day must go beyond words.
“It is a sacred call to moral clarity, national courage, and spiritual awakening for fashioning a Ghana of opportunities for the inclusive well-being of all its children,” he stated.
Drawing inspiration from the book of Jeremiah, Cardinal Turkson likened Ghana’s situation to that of ancient Israel, calling on citizens to “stand at the crossroads” and choose the path of righteousness.
He called on the nation to reflect on its founding ideals, symbolised by its Coat of Arms and the vision of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and to draw lessons from history to shape a just and inclusive future.
Collective responsibility
While acknowledging the role of political leadership, Cardinal Turkson underscored that national transformation is not the burden of the President alone.
“Whatever vision of Ghana we express, we must also know our place in that vision. We need virtuous Ghanaians who live for more than personal gain,” he stressed.
Cardinal Turkson urged all citizens, regardless of their role in society to live responsibly, act with integrity, and prioritize the common good over individual interest.
“You don’t need to be a priest or pastor. Every Ghanaian must live responsibly and think of the common good,” he said.
A call to reflect
Closing his sermon, Cardinal Turkson reiterated the theme of the day: “Reflection, Reset and Renewal for National Prosperity”, as a roadmap for spiritual and social transformation.
“To reflect is to see our blessings and our blind spots. To reset is to turn away from what destroys us—corruption, division, and exploitation. And to renew is to build a Ghana where every child can flourish,” he said.
Cardinal Turkson
called on Ghanaians to pray constantly for the nation and to embrace a deep sense of fraternity, compassion, and national responsibility.
“Let us reflect, reset, and renew so Ghana can be a land of prosperous living for the well-being of all,” he concluded.
