Customary Law And Ghanaian Economic Policy

One of the fundamentals of Ghana is that unlike a nation such as America, Ghana is NOT and never has been a melting pot. It is mistakenly believed by some, that just because Ghana was envisioned and founded on the concept of unitary government, that this implies that the Republic is one great, big melting pot. On the contrary, the reality is this: Ghana is a multi-cultural nation.

Inherent in the multi-cultural idea of the Republic of Ghana, is another apparent reality: customary law, which although less prominent in the Modern Ghana, is still a forceful opinion to contend with as Ghana charts its course into a “planned?” future. The subject of this article is whether Ghana’s recently actuated economic policy—i.e. borrowing from the IMF—is seeking to destroy the very customary opinion that gave rise to a multi-cultural Ghana.

What are the Customs of the People?
It is written, “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they [civil government] are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing [wrath against law breaking]. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:6-7).

As already stated, Ghana is not a melting pot. It is a multi-cultural nation. Among the many cultures of the people of Ghana, is the “heavenly” culture. This is the cultural phenomenon which states that there is a way that is right, or “righteous." For Ghanaians of this persuasion, if there is no righteousness, culture ceases to exist.

The former New Testament passage, written by a heavenly delegate to the Roman church of yesterday, expressed the need for the people of God to be in subjection to authorities in government. How? By giving them their due in FOUR AREAS: “tribute”, “custom”, “fear” and “honour”. These are the “subjection four”. Let us proceed to explore the list of subjection four DUES.

1. Tribute: the contextual reasoning of the term “tribute” as applied to God’s textbook on righteous government, the Torah, is a divinely-sanctioned government levy of a material or financial nature. It is money paid to rulers with divine purpose. It is therefore a standard tenth.
2. Custom: the contextual reasoning of this term implies that it is a reward that righteous government takes from the people “in wisdom”. Unlike tribute, it is not standardised, but rather, it is to be given in accordance with seasonal changes in the needs of a government.
3. Fear: this is by extension of divine authority, the fear of God extended to those in authority.
4. Honour: this must be given to whoever is in authority. It is not subject to whoever is sitting in the seat of government. In other words, it means that subjects must obey rulers “in wisdom”.

So then, these are the customs of the people of God with respect to their relationship to civil government.

Manifested Ghanaian Economic Policy: a Launching Pad for Civil Folly

The essence of the Republic of Ghana’s economic policy is rooted in the constitutional mandate of parliament to tax the people. At a time when the conditions behind the loan customs of both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have become the bedrock of ongoing policy formation in the Republic, serious questions must be posed to Ghana’s lawmakers. These include: “What in heaven’s name do you think you are doing by approving IMF conditions without the people’s DIRECT consent?”

“To the speaker of parliament, do consider, were you aware that you did not do the people’s will in line with the Father’s will? Therefore, even as you have taken the nation in a direction that is contrary to the provisions of divine law, know that there is an opportunity for you and the rest of parliament to REPENT.”

Pending divine judgments are perceived by those who are spiritual. Without the mind of Mashiach (Christ), it is impossible to see the verdicts of Yahweh’s heavenly throne at work in the earth realm. Here is the judgment on Ghana’s parliament. What is that? It is when God says, “Enough is enough.” He must therefore intervene in the plight of any people as rulers do His will. So what happens when the rulers will not do His will? Judgment in favour of the people must come into effect.

Yahweh is going to do what He wills to do through His people in Ghana. He will use His people to warn Ghana’s rulers, and then, deliver them [His people] in season.

Conclusion: Stop the Borrowing!
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:7). Truth, it is what proceeds out of the mouth of the living God, Yahweh. He says that the people in subjection to a government owe those in authority. What is owed? Four things: tribute, custom, fear and honour. Wisdom is the ability to see the truth in any situation of life. The wisdom of the Most High has informed those of us in the Kingdom of God that you, PARLIAMENT, want to abuse your authority by exacting MORE than is owed to you from Ghanaians because of your penchant for IMF and World Bank loans! It is time to stop the borrowing!

To the rulers of the Republic of Ghana: according to the heavenly customary law that is currently prevailing among the children of the Most High, know this. We will NOT owe you anything else except to love you according to the will of God. It is written, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law” (Romans 13: 8). Yahweh bless Ghana’s rulers. Amen (and so shall it be).