The minister-designate in charge of the Ghana Presbyterian Church in Sydney, Australia, has expressed concern about the utterances of some Ghanaians following recent rainstorms and a fire outbreak at a petrol station in Ghana. Rev Ransford Awuku-Gyampoh has rejected claims that God has put a curse on the country, and that the myriad of problems are a string of punishment God is meting out to Ghanaians.

Speaking with journalists in Sydney, Rev Awuku-Gyampoh said God never wanted to see His creation, including humans, destroyed or undergo any kind of severe suffering.

“The frequent rainstorms wreaking havoc in Ghana every now and then are the rewards Ghanaians are reaping for refusing to adhere to building codes laid down to regulate construction of roads and buildings.

“If our capital city of Accra can be hit by such a disaster that claimed the lives of about 200 people, we shouldn’t put the blame on anyone but ourselves,” he said.

The minister attributed the economic and social problems to the failure of Ghanaians to work diligently. He also blamed negligence on the part of officials entrusted with various tasks and the parochial interests of corrupts officials.

He urged people in authority to work hard to better the lot of the ordinary people, and not line their pockets with filthy money.

“Ghanaians need to practise what our religion and morals teach us.” He regretted the fact that no one, at least publicly, has been reprimanded or punished over the recent floods and the fire outbreak at a petrol station in Accra.

Rev Awuku-Gyampoh, who is on a visit to Australia, expressed his condolences and those of the Ghana Presbyterian Church in Australia to the bereaved families and other victims.

He also advised Ghanaians who have acquired great skills and know-hows in all spheres of economic activity to consider going back to home – even on a visit – to impart some of their skills to help move Ghana forward.

Rev Awuku-Gyampoh will assume pastoral duty as District Minister of GPC Australia in September.

From: Martin Kwakwa Sannah Sydney, Australia