Christian Council Frowns On Politicians

THE GENERAL Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, has cautioned players on both sides of the political divide, and Ghanaians in general against the use of indecent language, personal attacks, and one's health status to undermine one's integrity for the sake of politics.

He observed that politicians should not be encouraged, for the sake of the nation's young growing democracy, to indulge in such indecent politics.

According to him, it is immoral for anyone to downplay his political opponent by using his health issues as a tool to out-score him since everybody in one way or the other, has an illness. “Every human has a form of ailment and it should not be seen as if you are dying tomorrow. In fact, it does not de-capacitate you from being a leader,” he said.

The Rev. Minister made this observation in an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE in reaction to the heavy criticisms poured on the religious leadership for not doing something about what some critics referred to as “intentional quietness over … damaging political angle people have chosen in recent times.”

Some radio callers say the Council has turned a deaf ear to the current happenings, as if nothing concerns them, adding that they are the same people claiming responsibility for correcting social ills.

Considering the misinterpretations of recent travels by Prof John Atta Mills and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flagbearers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) respectively, Rev Deegbe said, “The CCG is strongly in an on-going preparation and would soon come out officially on issues of this sort as election 2008 draws closer”.

He said the Council was not sitting on the fence and would not do so because they have been major contributors to the nation's electoral successes; “We call on the Electoral Commission to come out early with their budget in order to facilitate early preparations before the 2008 election.”

He said there should be “a ceasefire” since the usage of vulgar language and continued talk about the health of any flagbearer would not make any political party gain more political points than the others.

According to him, it is even advisable for people above 40 years to strive to know their health status so that they can plan their lifestyles better.

“Prof. Mill is over 60 years and I see nothing wrong if he constantly checks on his health status, especially knowing his engagements in life,” the Rev said.

He argued that ailment does not mean you cannot function as a leader; “If he is truly sick, it should be left to him and his medical experts to come out with it, but it is not for the public to jump to conclusions.

“Prof Mills is knowledgeable enough to throw in the towel if he realises he can no more carry on as the leader of his party. You remember the issue of Fidel Castro. Yes, if he can no more he would come out.”

According to Rev. Deegbe, a friend called him to listen to the Professor on an Accra Fm station.

He added that the Prof was well and “I think we should leave that to him.”

He contended that if any political leader seeks to check his health status, he should be allowed to do so, and that early conclusions should not be made about it. By Emmanuel Kubi