President Nana Akufo-Addo says he tolerates all kinds of criticisms in his bid to better the lives of Ghanaians.
Describing it as part of the work, the President said he is building an open society and a nation that guarantees freedoms for all.
President Akufo-Addo stated this at a Special Eucharist Service organised by the Anglican Church of Ghana for the President, his family and Government at the Jubilee House.
In a brief statement after the service, he said his administration welcomes criticisms from divergent views.
“We are very grateful for the service, my wife, children and the entire family of the presidency who have to work under very difficult circumstances, but we, because of our believe in the constant and eternal presence of the Almighty, are fortified by our believe, are fortified by our knowledge that at all times He [God] is with us and will never forsake us,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“It enables us to be able to be tolerant (let me put it that way), many of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that are thrown at us in this house.
“We are trying to build an open society, a nation which guarantees freedom of all sorts so those who are at the front of it must have the temperament and the spirit, the psyche to tolerate whatever is said,” the President added.
Over 20 Anglican clergymen, drawn from across the country, led by the Anglican Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana and Bishop of Asante Mampong, the Most Reverend Dr Cyril K. Ben-Smith, held the service to seek the grace of God for the President and his government as they continue to spearhead the development of the country.
They urged President Akufo-Addo to stay focused on his mandate to govern the country.
In a sermon at the special Presidential Eucharist Service themed: ‘Launch into the Deep Waters,’ the Internal Province of Ghana’ Bishop of Asante Mampong Most Reverend Dr Cyril Ben-Smith noted that regardless of the failures and challenges of the times, Ghanaians must be willing to try again. Using the biblical parable of Jesus and Simon on the sea, he said Ghana has to move forward notwithstanding the challenges and failures brought by the pandemic.
Most Reverend Dr Cyril Ben-Smith said “regardless of the failures, the challenges of the times, we must be willing to try again, trusting in God’s word and that is the way we should view things.”
“Regardless of the issues that confront us, regardless of how things might appear, we must launch out because the Lord has told us to do it,” Most Reverend Dr Ben-Smith said in his sermon.
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was present. Also in attendance were the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo and children, Chief of Staff and other senior members at the Presidency.
