I witnessed the hardship and challenges myriads of Ghananains had to go through as a result of an unannounced strike embarked on by private commercial drivers’ unions. The strike was occasioned by the astronomical hike in fuel prices which the transport operators had called for a reduction in the fuel price but were unable to have their needs met by the government.
It is rather sad that the impact of the strike was not directly felt by the government officials or the entity responsible for the hike in the fuel price. Most of the people who were adversely affected by the strike were the poor and powerless citizens of Ghana. These are categories of people who have no direct control over the economic policies that shape their lives. These are the hustlers on the street and the underpaid employees who have to wake up at dawn and return in the night just to put food on the table of their families.
It will be abnormal for anyone in government to have a peaceful sleep when the very people who voted them into power have no rest and peace in their homes. God instituted the governing authority and admonished all citizens to support it and be subject to its rulers. We are greatly admonished by Paul that “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong (Romans 13:1-3). In other words, it is a great privilege to be part of the governing authority because it is a position of honour.
God instituted the governing authority for the purpose of orderliness and good governance. The Governing authority is in the position of a steward. A steward must be accountable to the master. In other words, government leaders must, first of all, see themselves as stewards appointed by God to manage the economy and resources of the state to better enhance the livelihood of their citizens. I believe this is the reason, state officials are called ministers and not bosses. Ministery means service, therefore the word minister means a servant. God is counting on us to always elect people who possess the qualities of a good steward and a dedicated servant into public offices and governance so that these stewards and servants regardless of whatever political party they belong will serve the nation selflessly.
God is not to be blamed although God will hold such people accountable if we the citizens elect people who lack the qualities of stewardship and servant-leadership. Proverbs 29: 2 gives us signs and effects of bad government when it said that “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Proverbs 29:2) The question therefore is, are the people being governed rejoicing or groaning? Are they rejoicing because the righteous leaders are being good stewards and servants or the governed are groaning because most of the people in government are wicked stewards and servants? The answer to the question is for the reader’s reflection. It is our duty as Christians to continue praying for the governing authorities to possess wisdom to lead and have a godly government and also discharge our civil responsibilities to ensure that we have a peaceful and prosperous nation. Shalom
Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)
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