The local version of the 2015 African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) Forum opened in Accra in Tuesday.

The two-day forum being organised by the Bible Society of Ghana is on the theme: “Leadership for National Transformation.”

It was born out of the ABLI forum organised yearly by the United Bible Societies within the African continent. ABLI is a Bible Advocacy programme with focus on leadership in Africa.

Mr Patrick Kuwana, Founder, Crossover Transformation Group, South Africa, said Ghana had been the torchbearer in African emancipation, and that it was high time the nation once again arose to lead the continent on the path of economic freedom.

He said the older generation of leaders who led the continent’s liberation struggle must hand over the baton to the younger generation who would take the continent to the promised land of prosperity.

He noted that like the biblical Moses who led the Israellites across the Red Sea into the wilderness; many of the older generation of African political leaders had hit the rock and therefore, were being asked by God to hand over to the Joshuas; who would carry the people to the promised land.

Mr Kuwana said despite the continent being endowed with abundant natural resources; lack of knowledge and disobedience to God had made Africans poorer. “Africa is a praying continent, but much prayer without obedience is waste of time,” he stated.

He said it was essential that Africa embraced democracy, and that leaders must be elected through democratic processes; but democracy must not be used to put aside God’s laws.

He observed that God would model Ghana as a godly nation for the rest of Africa to emulate; stating that “Ghana must be strong and courageous.”

He said research shows that it takes about three to 15 per cent of a group of people to change the culture of their society; and that committed Christians in Ghana could transform the nation.

Mr Kuwana urged Churches to stop putting blame on governments and to do their part by helping widows and orphans.

Mr Joe Ghartey, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who represented the Speaker to officially perform the launch of the 2015 ABLI on behalf of the Vice President, said as human beings; “our main aim of being on this earth is to serve God”.

He said when people applied Bible’s teachings to their lives, the nation would be completely transformed.

Mrs Justice Irene C. Larbi, Justice of the Court of Appeal, advised parents to inculcate Bible’s teachings in their children, to help them grow into responsible adults

She said integrity was key in every fabric of society; “leadership starts from the home, school, and work place. At every stage of our life we need integrity.”

Apostle Dr Stephen K. Amoani, Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International, recounted that Christianity brought about civilization, education and transformation of societies.

He observed that if Christians led transformed lives, they would positively affect the entire society; “we should ensure that our nation Ghana is transformed through good leadership.”

Dr Girma Mohammed of the British and Foreign Bible Society, said ABLI would empower African leaders to overcome the darkness of poverty, and to regain their colour.