Council of churches condemns libation

The Local Council of Churches in Sunyani has called for an end to the pouring of libation at public functions.

"It is a thing of the past and only draws the society back if we should depend on it for success in our endeavours."The Council made the call on Sunday when the leaders and representatives of member churches interacted with Mr Ernest Kwaku Debrah, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister.

The Right Reverend Thomas Fampah Brient, Chairman of the Council and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani, said: "libation pouring is a primitive act, which leads illiterates for instance, to put their belief and trust in inanimate objects."

Bishop Brient who is also the President of the Joint Anglican Diocesan Council of Ghana said the objects and beings that are invoked during libation were all created by God, the Supreme being, and subjected them to the authority of man, "so they cannot help us."

The Council commended the Minister for his initiative to meet them, describing the gesture as unprecedented. The Council attributed the moral degeneration and decadence in schools and among the youth to the slack in religious instruction.

The religious leaders therefore appealed to the government to give back the schools established by the churches to be managed by them.

They expressed concern about the lack of business openings in the region to provide job avenues, and appealed to the minister to make that one of his priorities, to empower the people economically.

The Regional Minister appealed to the clergy to use the pulpit to reconcile Ghanaians. They should also preach on work ethics since a disciplined working force brings about improved quality of work and increase in productivity.

"Without that no matter what we do, we cannot move forward," he said He pledged to involve them in the administration of the region adding, "I shall not fail to consult you on all matters of importance for the sustainable development of the region"