Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, at the weekend expressed concern about the politics of insults, indiscipline and disrespect for leaders and the elderly that had crept into Ghanaian society.

He was addressing the congregation at the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church in Sunyani, as part of the national fasting, prayer and thanks giving service.

He said until recently, Ghana’s tradition adored and respected leaders and elderly persons, but regretted that “now they are treated with disrespect because of politics and freedom of speech.”

Mr Nyamekye-Marfo noted that “those who know better are teaching the younger ones this kind of bad conduct” and wondered the kind of legacy adults were bequeathing to the next generation.

“People mount political platforms, make phone-in calls only to insult and attack leaders, including men of God without talking about issues that can bring development to our society.

“The President, ministers and parliamentarians are insulted day in and out on air in the name of freedom of speech, whilst untruths are also published in the media just to disgrace and tarnish the reputations of politicians”, he said.

Mr Nyamekye-Marfo called on religious leaders to advocate peace and respect for leaders and the elderly.

He called on the media to be guided by their professional ethics and to publish truth and balanced reportage.

Mr Nyamekye-Marfo stressed that “as much as God loves the nation and has endowed us with peace, we need to change our attitudes and negative behaviours towards our leaders and the elderly so we can live together in unity as a nation”.

He advised Ghanaians never to talk or think about war, which he said could retard national progress and socio-economic activities.

Mr Nyamekye-Marfo said: “ Election, is not about war since political parties, and politicians will come and go but Ghana will remain a nation. There is the need to keep Ghana better for the younger generation to inherit.”

Pastor Daniel Oduro Sarpong, President of Mid-west Conference of the Church, asked Ghanaians to do away with the fear that war could erupt after the December elections.

“It is God who elects a President”, he said. and asked Ghanaians to support elected candidates to fulfill their visions.

Pastor Sarpong said: “Jesus is the captain and the source of peace and he will ensure that the nation goes through peaceful elections”.

Prayers were offered for the nation, the President of Ghana, ministers of state, parliamentarians and workers.**