Avoid Political Endorsements - "Dr. Lawrence Tetteh Urges Ghana’s Religious Leaders
The Founder and the Leader of Worldwide Miracle Outreach Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, has issued a profound call to religious leaders across Ghana, urging them to remain neutral in political matters and work collaboratively towards fostering a more respectful and harmonious political environment. In an insightful interview on TV3, which aired on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Dr. Tetteh emphasized the pivotal role religious leaders play in shaping national discourse and warned against the divisive impact that partisan politics can have when interwoven with religious platforms.
During the interview, Dr. Tetteh passionately appealed to religious leaders, urging them to refrain from endorsing political candidates or using the pulpit as a platform to share election results. He stressed that the sacred space of worship should not be tainted by political biases or affiliations. According to him, religious leaders have a higher calling: to unite the nation and promote peace. He remarked, "He stated, "We must recognize that our responsibility as spiritual leaders is to mend divisions, not to exacerbate them. The focus should always be on maintaining unity and harmony for the greater good of the country."
Dr. Tetteh cautioned that the involvement of pastors in political endorsements could lead to significant divisions across Ghanaian society, eroding the very fabric of national cohesion. He urged religious figures to prioritize the values of peace and solidarity, warning that a fractured society could emerge if the church becomes entangled in partisan conflicts. He cautioned that permitting politics to infiltrate our pulpits jeopardizes the cultivation of conflict.
In addition to addressing the role of religious leaders, Dr. Tetteh expressed his deep concern over the rising culture of insults and derogatory language in political discourse, particularly among the younger generation. He pointed out that this troubling trend is not just a political issue but a societal one, requiring the active involvement of all stakeholders in its resolution. "This is a matter for everyone to address," he declared, adding, "As a preacher, it is my duty to condemn such behavior. Journalists must do the same, and it is high time politicians also take a stand against this growing culture of disrespect in our political landscape."
Dr. Tetteh also took the opportunity to critique the role of the media, emphasizing the immense power they wield in shaping public opinion. While he acknowledged the importance of the media in holding public figures accountable, he criticized what he perceived as an overemphasis on negative news. He noted that this skewed focus on scandals and controversies overshadows the positive contributions being made across various sectors of society, which in turn, distorts the global perception of Ghana.
We must always exercise prudence in our reporting.," Dr. Tetteh urged, noting that an excessive focus on negativity not only harms the reputations of individual leaders but also tarnishes the image of Ghana on the international stage. He advocated for a more balanced approach to media coverage, where positive developments and achievements are given due recognition alongside critical reporting.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Tetteh reiterated the importance of prioritizing a national agenda over the petty rivalries and conflicts that often dominate the political sphere. "Our emphasis should be on collaboration rather than political disputes to further the interests of our nation." he said. Dr. Tetteh’s message was clear: unity, respect, and a commitment to national progress must take precedence over political divisions if Ghana is to thrive in the years to come.