It is generally assumed that the connection between religion and public life is strong, given the Christian majority representation of over 70% of the Ghanaian population . It is therefore assumed that ethical and moral values rooted in the Christian faith would permeate public life and contribute positively to governance and public order . However, even though Christianity has had a positive impact on society in some ways, including promoting peaceful coexistence, Christians still exhibit corrupt behaviours in public life, and this raises genuine concern for interrogations. In this paper, we established that despite the significant number of Christians working in government sectors and holding positions of power, it appears that ethical standards within Ghana's institutions are still being compromised, giving way to incidents of corruption and misconduct as always reported in the news. This inconsistency between professed and practised Christianity in the country remains a puzzle.In this context, we see that a distorted perspective of societal conditioning about wealth is the main factor contributing to the decline in moral standards among the Christian working class. In this regard, material wealth is seen as the yardstick for success. This distorted perspective leads many Christians to prioritise personal gains over serving the country, thereby perpetuating corrupt practises and eventually undermining their Christian principles. Also, the possible disconnect between the teachings of the Bible and their application in daily life raises general concern about the effectiveness of Christian teachings and their direct impact on adherents of the faith. In our examination, the clergy have drifted from the Gospel of salvation to prosperity preaching, which is driving the craze for money, fame, and power, with the associated evil of corruption.This troubling situation of corruption continues to challenge us to reflect comprehensively on the current state of Christianity and the ethical standards upheld by its followers. This is because we see that the temptation of self-seeking behaviour and the pursuit of personal interest rather than the interest of the community within the Christian fraternity seem to be escalating our woes. This, therefore, calls for a deeper exploration of the subject matter. In conclusion, the presumed connection between religion and governance in Ghana remains tenuous in our estimation. Despite being recognised as a predominantly Christian nation, the pervasive corruption and disregard for ethical values within the country’s public life challenge the notion that Christianity has successfully influenced moral standards. The need for introspection and corrective measures is evident in order to bridge the gap between religious beliefs and their practical application in public spaces, ultimately fostering a society of the majority that upholds the principles of Christianity and promotes good governance.
Isaac Ofori (PhD candidate, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana)
Human Rights Advocate
