Reverend Camillus Baba Ababagre, Parish Priest at Saint Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Bolgatanga, has bemoaned the constant desire of leaders to satisfy their selfish interests at the expense of the people they are meant to serve.

He said it is a compelling duty of leaders—whether pastors, politicians, teachers, civil or public servants, or parents—to serve the people they lead wholeheartedly by seeking their welfare.

Rev. Ababagre expressed this reservation while preaching a sermon on the theme: “Let Us Be Attentive to the Needs of Others.”

He said, “Whatever position you occupy, let service lead. Do not concentrate on satisfying personal selfish interests.”

Reverend Ababagre noted, “There are men of God who look at their interests first, living in luxurious comfort at the expense of the needs of their congregation. Similarly, politicians, instead of concentrating on the needs of their constituents, focus on amassing wealth to the detriment of the constituents on whose ticket they serve.”

He said, “As pastors and men of God, we are to take care of the psychological, material, and spiritual needs of our congregation and not dominate and exploit them for our own interests.”

The Parish Priest indicated that politicians, teachers, and all other people serving in leadership positions should ensure that they take care of those entrusted to their care and avoid taking advantage of them to build their wealth.

He condemned greed among family heads and said some parents are selfish and irresponsible in managing their homes, especially their children, and indicated that they would have everything to themselves at the expense of their children.

“Let us always remember that we are put into leadership positions to take care of the people who put us there and on whose behalf we serve,” he added.

He reminded the congregation that Jesus did not neglect the multitude who went ahead of him and his disciples after they decided to take some rest. He said Jesus taught, manifested wonders, and attended to their needs unconditionally.

He called on Christians who are privileged to serve in positions to commit themselves to the roles they have been given and offer such services unconditionally to the people.