A prominent functionary of the Progressive Alliance, Mr Dan Markin, has said the "prosperity doctrine", which has become the cornerstone of liturgy of religious bodies, has contributed significantly to the worsening levels of corruption in the country.

He said the preaching of religious bodies has more often than not centred on ways of getting rich quick, instead of encouraging the people to work hard in order to fulfil their life-long ambitions. Mr Markin, who was addressing a group of pastors of the Church of Christ ( Spiritual Mission) who called on him in Accra, pointed out that " promising people to reap where they have not sown not only encourages them to be corrupt but also lazy".

" Until the various religious bodies redefine their doctrines on miracles and urge the people to work diligently, the government’s quest to increase productivity in the country would never materialise," he said. Mr Markin, who is also a trustee of the the Church of Christ SM, pointed out that the desire of the people, especially the youth, to become rich overnight as a result of spurious prophecies of some pastors, has led to unhealthy rivalry and competition among religious denominations.

According to him, the moral dimension of corruption has worsened over the decade as a number of churches and other sects have become embroiled in sexual and fraud scandals. " It is unthinkable for pastors to claim millions of cedis from unsuspecting members for special ointments and handkerchiefs which would make them rich overnight," he said. Mr Markin said activities in churches and other religious bodies are a reflection of the society since " disciplined religious bodies would surely begat morally upright members".

The alliance member wondered why there is an upsurge in social vices, against the background of the proliferation of churches in the country. He said the moral laxity in the society is a serious indictment on the church and, therefore, asked the churches to repackage their sermons to control immorality in the country.

" Where is the spiritual upliftment and physical development that the churches are supposed to provide, since some pastors even go to the extent of seducing unsuspecting young females and married women and encourage members to spend hours on end praying in their churches, instead of engaging themselves in some productive ventures to earn a living?" he asked.