Bedzrah urges Christian youth to lead cleanliness and sanitation drive

The Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, has called on Christian youth to take the lead in promoting cleanliness, proper sanitation and moral discipline, saying young people have a crucial role to play in building healthier communities and a better Ghana.

Delivering a speech on his behalf at the 11th National Delegates Congress of the Christian Youth Builders (CYB), the youth wing of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), Hon. Bedzrah urged the youth to embrace the theme of the Congress, “Cleanliness is Next to Godliness – Keep Clean,” and translate it into practical action.

The MP said cleanliness should be regarded as an important Christian virtue, reminding the gathering that the Bible describes the human body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

He therefore encouraged the youth to take proper care of their bodies, homes, churches and the environment, stressing that Christian responsibility extends beyond worship to the way believers conduct themselves in society.

He admonished Christian youth to recognise that wherever they go, they represent Christ and the Church, and that their behaviour should reflect values such as discipline, love, responsibility, purity and respect.

Hon. Bedzrah noted that physical cleanliness alone does not constitute true godliness, explaining that a person could maintain a clean body and beautiful home while harbouring hatred, bitterness, jealousy and unforgiveness.

He consequently urged the youth to pursue both outward cleanliness and inward purity, saying genuine godliness must be reflected in a person's character, thoughts, words and actions.

The lawmaker further charged CYB members to become ambassadors of cleanliness in their communities by refusing to litter, avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse and actively participating in communal sanitation exercises.

He also called on the youth to educate their peers, families and communities on proper waste management and environmental sanitation, noting that a clean environment promotes good health, protects lives and contributes to sustainable community development.

He stressed that sanitation should not be viewed merely as a civic responsibility but also as a Christian obligation, since Christians are expected to demonstrate responsible stewardship of the environment.

The Ho West MP emphasised that the youth have the capacity to influence positive change in Ghana and urged them to lead by example in their churches, schools, workplaces and communities.

He further reminded members of the Christian Youth Builders that their mandate goes beyond the construction of physical structures, saying they are also called to build lives, strengthen communities and contribute to a better future for the country.

As part of his support for the development of the CYB, Hon. Bedzrah donated GH¢2,000 towards the construction of the CYB Resource Centre, which is expected to serve as an important facility for Christian youth.

The representative said Hon. Bedzrah remained committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the development and empowerment of young people, particularly programmes that promote responsible citizenship, community development and positive values.

He also called on other individuals, organisations and stakeholders to support the Resource Centre, stressing that collective contributions would help ensure the successful completion of the project.

The address urged the youth to remember that their actions can influence others more than their words and encouraged them to demonstrate cleanliness, godliness and responsible citizenship in their everyday lives.

Wishing all delegates a successful and fruitful Congress, he expressed confidence that the Christian Youth Builders would continue to play an important role in shaping responsible, disciplined and committed young Christians.

He urged them to live by the charge: “Keep clean. Live clean. Think clean. Serve clean and build a clean nation.”