Rev. Daniel Osei Bediako, Presbyterian Minister for Ridge Church, has described corruption as an evil practice, which denies the majority of the citizens access to developmental projects.

The Minister, who was speaking on the theme, ‘Training Leaders for the Nation’ during the graduation and Speech and Prize Giving Day for pupils of Immanuel Restoration School Complex at Abelemkpe, Accra last Friday, indicated that the time has come for Ghanaians to speak out boldly against corrupt practices in order to save the nation huge amounts of money.

“Corruption is evil before God and man, and an enemy of progress which stalls government efforts at developing the country for the masses,” he stated.

He said well trained professionals like the customs and tax officials and politicians, among others, take undue advantage of the system to cheat and loot state resources.

It appears higher education institutions are training grounds where intellectual thieves, liars, cheats and nation-wreckers are produced.

“In my estimation, I have realized that our educational system as a country has failed to address the real challenge that we face as a nation which calls for a total review of the system,” he mentioned.

Notwithstanding the recalcitrance of highly educated persons and teachers, who have resorted to stealing and encouraging students to cheat in their final external examinations, the man of God stated that there are a few who are honest.

The Presbyterian Minister, who spoke on a number of issues, called for a national dialogue to figure out what the country wants to achieve in its educational sector.

“It is wrong to focus only on raw academics –excellent heads without a corresponding training of the hands and heart; we need spirit-filled musicians, artist, sportsmen and women, among others, to contribute their quota to building the nation,” he stated.

The Director of the School, Cecilia Campbell, called on parents to partner management in training the pupils.

The focus of the school is to train future leaders physically and spiritually, Ms Campbell added.

She further stated that children are God’s gift to parents and nation and must be trained to love God.

Mrs. Campbell, who is also a lawyer, further urged parents to spend time with their children and listen to their concerns.

The Director, who did not mince words, urged the parents to pay fees and other levies to ensure the successful running of the institution.