Instead, the study provides a broad overview of classical understandings of what the Church is as a theologically mandated stakeholder in society. How can one assess the strength of the Church's contribution to the ongoing socio-economic discourse.
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
PACP Public Accounts Committee of Parliament PBME Planning Budget Management and Evaluation PCG Presbyterian Church of Ghana. UNDP United Nations Development Program UNMC United Nations Millennium Campaign UTAG University Teachers Association of Ghana VEEM Voter Education and Election Monitoring WARC World Alliance of Reformed Churches WCA Workers Compensation Allowance.
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Background to the study
With this in mind, one might ask: where is the voice of the Church in Ghana today. A quick review of the contributions of the Church in Ghana to nation building will also be needed.
The Research Problem
- The Key Research Question
- The Research Sub-Questions
Aims and Objectives of the study
Could all of the above be true of Ghana's economy as the first African nation to gain independence in 1957?
Theoretical Framework
- The Theory of Critical Distance by Allan Boesak
Opposite the "new world order" with its "law of the jungle" stands the church with the proclamation of the kingdom of God with its justice and law of love. To achieve this, the Church must involve itself in the general life of society by "setting things right".
Methodology
Although comprehensive in nature, it includes scholars' views on current socio-economic issues and the involvement of the Church at all stages. Therefore, literature covered in this systematic but comprehensive review will serve as a road map to understand the contributions of the Church on socio-economic transformation from the year 2000-2013.
Data collection, analysis and interpretation
The theological analyzes seek, uncover and show the Church's path within the framework of economic transformation in the life of humanity in general. This is achieved by considering the strength of the Church's contribution in the current discourse to shape the economy towards transformation, growth and social development.
Limitations of the Study
Sociological analyzes will explore the interconnectedness of societal dynamics in relation to economic transformation in Ghana. Similarly, a sociological analysis helps this research to examine how this transformation affects the economic life of the people of Ghana, taking into account the economic conditions in the Ghanaian society during these two periods.
Outline of the study
The fifth chapter of the 'third part' deals with the type of contributions of the Church towards socio-economic transformation. In the sixth chapter, the contributions made by the Church in Ghana to socio-economic transformation are analyzed, evaluated and criticized.
CHAPTER TWO A THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
Introduction
According to Bloesch (2006), the church is a preemptive sign of the coming kingdom of God and serves as the worldly agent of that kingdom. But Bloesch (2006) sees the church as a preemptive sign of the coming kingdom of God and serves as the worldly agent of that kingdom.
Ekklesia (Ecclessia) - The Church : The People Called by God
- People of God as the Called Out
- Community of God
The church as a community emerges when members express concern for the life of the other person. The church as God's community must be faithful to the evangelical truth that calls for love and respect for [all] life, [all] humanity as an alternative community (Boesak, 1977:119).
The Mission Mandate of the Church
Therefore, according to Bosch, the mission of the Church wants to be transformed and reimagined. The prophetic missionary task of the Church proclaims the Kingdom of God by exhorting and warning the community about what God knows about his people.
The Church and Salvation: An Observable Symbol of God’s saving Act
- Pastoral or Priestly Mission Church - Caring Role
- Evangelical Mission Church – The Church’s Saving Role
- Prophetic Mission Church – The Prompting Role of the Church
A Church which does not care that it is called to the self-sacrificing service of humanity, its adversaries and the world, loses its self-esteem and the reason for its existence, an observation which would probably challenge the Church to ask itself the question of its role in relation to the economic development of its members (Küng, 1976:99). The African Society' claims that the prophetic role of the Church originates from the biblical prophets.
Church and Diaconia (State) Intervention
Therefore, Bloesch (2002:63) and McKee (1989:47) see Diakonia as the Church's service to the world, which is a reflection of God's grace through the exercise and union of Christian love. Like John Calvin, McKee draws our attention to the caring role of the Church by stating that the deacon role of the Church should be seen as an eternal priestly [pastoral] ministry.
The Church as an Agent of Change
But Aarflot's (1988:80) understanding of diakonia, as mentioned earlier, and points to the very important role of the Church by stating that whenever human life is threatened by [any] evil, the Church by obligation automatically becomes part of that struggle for victory . In other words, the church should not misinterpret or suppress biblical facts.
A definition of Liberation Theology, its Space and the Church
- The Praxis of Liberation Theology
- The Root of Liberation Theology and the Church
- The Agenda of Liberation Theology to the Church
According to Bishop Moacyr Grechi in [the forward] Boff and Pixley (1989), the Church has a task first of all to the poor and then to the other people of the wider society. Since the church is primarily concerned with [man] in his [or her] relations to God and neighbor, it cannot be indifferent to the African search for a fuller human life in new societies (Geneva: WCC, 1965:95; Martey, 1993:7).
The Church in Ghana- Its Origin
But because the church is found within society and serves as the mouthpiece of the true God of history, it becomes a task for the church to be intrinsically interested in God's liberation. In a sense, you can say that the Church is challenged to always stand up for the poor and fight their course.
An Encounter with the European Government and Missionaries
Prophet John Swatson a mulatto and may be a product of the castle school was one of the influences of the Anglican tradition in Ghana (Sundkler & Steed. Aglionby came before the end of 1916 when the first two priests were ordained in the Anglican tradition of the Church.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana: Its Roots and Beginnings
- The ‘Salem’ System: A Theological Reflection of the PCG Church Community Community
This was the year when the first Baptisms were performed to encourage Church membership. Rev Peter Hall became the first Moderator with Rev N.T Clerk as Church Clerk.
Catholicism in Ghana
Sundkler & Steed imagined that it was he who created two strong open societies, the Catholic Young Men's Society and the Women's League. Sundkler & Steed reported that the first Ga to be ordained to the Catholic priesthood was Reverend Sam Washington de van Puije in 1953 when Reverend Joseph Bowers became Bishop of Accra Diocese.
Methodism in Ghana
He was described as "the first Methodist missionary who lived long enough to consolidate the work" (Sundkler & Steed. Sundkler & Steed mentioned that in order to speed up agriculture they distributed seeds to local farmers and introduced new crops through the efforts of the missionary Thomas Birch Freeman.
Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements in Ghana
In a span of eight years (between 1953 and 1962), two groups emerged from the Apostolic Church of Ghana; Church of the Divine Healers and Apostolic Reformed Church. One of the longest serving Ghanaian Presidents of the Church is Rev Dr Simon Asore who hails from the North (Amanor, undated: 25).
Charismatic Churches/African Independent/Newer Churches in Ghana (Mushroom Churches)
The important work done by the Assemblies of God missionary church is the key role they played in the translation of the New Testament in Dagbana and the establishment of three biblical institutes. Their missionary work spread to southern Ghana from the north, so most of these social services are in the northern part of the country.
The Christian Council of Ghana: Formation, Agenda and Vision
Among the activities of the Christian Council in Ghana, which the Local Council of Churches seriously engages in, all year round, are worship and study life, family life, interfaith peace. Some people even describe the Local Council of Churches as the constitution 'flagship' and 'jewel in the diadem' of the Christian Council in Ghana (Anquandah, 2009:21).
DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
Introduction
Definition of Terms and Concepts
Definition of Development
- The ‘Theory of dependency’ by Gunder-Frank
- Other Definitions of Development
One of the theorists who has contributed to the discussion about development is Andre Gunder-Frank. According to Cowen and Shenton, development involves both the means and the ends, so that one usually accidentally expects the end to be present from the beginning of the development process.
The Objectives of Development
But in the same system, changes from a state of life generally considered unacceptable towards the state of life or state are considered essentially and morally improved. For this reason, according to Todaro (1989:88), the goal of development should be to reflect the whole series of changes that transform an entire social system from a state of life generally regarded as unacceptable to a state of life regarded as unacceptable. spiritually and materially “improved”.
Measurements for Development
According to Todaro it is assumed that migrant workers are a significant proportion of the urban workforce in many developing countries. According to Sen (1999:7), in the labor market, people's inability to participate is one of the methods of keeping them in captivity and slavery.
Dimensions of Development as Transformation
- Human Development as Development
- Social Development as Development
- Political Development as Development
- Development as Liberation
Development, according to Gutierrez, should lead to freedom and an inevitable moment of drastic change, which should be foreign to the familiar usage of the term "development". Gutierrez, referring to the struggle of the poor in Latin America, reasons that the Church's link in the struggle with the government for freedom was to provide better living conditions for the people.
The Development Agenda
For this reason, the aim of the development agenda at present is to reveal the burden of economic growth within the deep discussion of development. In other words, the development agenda currently aims to measure the level of development within any given economy.
Towards a Definition of Economic Development
But Cypher and Dietz believe that economic development is about identifying the very fundamental human values and the means to expand the fruits of these values. But Steytler (1997:18) instead argues that economic development should be the harmonization of four opposing intentions which are: currency stability, economic growth, high level of employment and finally stability of foreign trade.
The Economic Development Debate
- Adedeji’s Altenative Strategy of Development for Africa
- The Difference between Economics and Economic Development Debate Although it is not desirable or easy to define the term economics, Todaro (1990:4, 6) Although it is not desirable or easy to define the term economics, Todaro (1990:4, 6)
He argues that development should be towards independent processes that will inevitably result in the transformation and change of society that bring about transformation. But also, Lapsey (1993:8) defines economics as that which deals with the allocation of resources belonging to society among alternative uses.
Economic Development and Economic Growth
Midgley consequently conditions again that economic growth must realize an increase in the participation of the entire population with the aim of improving income and living standards for all. However, it has created one of the most dangerous cases of discrimination and unfairness in the world.
The Intention of Economic Development
He also imagines that there should be no poverty and hunger in an industrialized democratic economy and that this should not be a problem because the state is responsible for its people ensuring that the unemployed, refugees and the poor have enough food to eat (Smith) An underlying question for this research is that since Ghana is considered a democratic growing economy in sub-Saharan Africa since its independence in 1957, the state has eradicated poverty and hunger and become responsible for its people to ensure , that the unemployed, refugees and the poor have enough food to eat.
Challenges to Economic Development
But according to Lapsey, the causes of underdevelopment are inadequate financial institutions, inadequate infrastructure and excessive government intervention (Lapsey. But in South Africa, according to Conradie, the unequal supply of wealth remains a task and this is partly the result of the eternal legacy to colonize.
Economic Development and Unemployment
But Cawker and Whiteford also maintain that the failure of the economy to grow at the necessary rate to absorb an increasing labor force was the main cause of unemployment in the South African context. But the NGOs and the Church, by exposing unfair structures, can become the voice of the unemployed and the poor, according to Nurnberger, as this will help to challenge the state and the private sector and remind them of their ethical commitment to economic development .
The Economic Development Debate and Religious Convictions
In view of this De Gruchy et al. 2008:9) points out that the serious involvement of the church in the apartheid situation (South Africa) in the struggle and to defend a new paradigm and system of government was the great strength of the Christian movement in the history of South Africa. What does the Church live for, while human dignity is negotiated for money by political leaders, leading to the suffering of the masses.
Economic Development as Economic Transformation
GDP measures the total value of final output produced by an economy, by both residents and non-residents” (Nnadozie, 2003:31). Regarding social and structural transformation, he mentioned that transformation, which is also called structural change, involves a transformation of the productive structure of the economy from predominantly agrarian to service or industrial based.
The Ghanaian Economic Growth Rate Since 2000
For development, in addition to higher incomes and structural economic transformations, it is necessary to improve the quality of life, which, according to the World Bank, includes better education, higher standards of health and nutrition, less poverty, a cleaner environment, greater quality of opportunities and greater individual freedom. He said: "Structural transformation includes industrialization, agricultural transformation, migration and urbanization, as well as the reciprocal interactions between rising incomes and changing supply-demand relationships." But in addition, he realized that it also involves changes in the behavior of individuals, institutions and the various markets where business is conducted (Nnadozie, 2003:32).
Conclusion
As already stated in the first chapter of this study, the Church must preserve it. The literature of the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church, the Catholic Church, and Christendom will be extensively evaluated for the church's contributions to socio-economic transformation.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE CHURCH’S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SOCIO- ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION 2000-2006
Introduction
- Education
- Unemployment and Labour Issues
- Developing Partners
- Corruption, Embezzlement, Misapplication of funds and Fraud
- Security, Law and Order/ Armed Robbery
- Politics, Elections and the Media
- Polarisation/Indiscipline of the Ghanaian Society
- Other Social Issues
- The Accra Confession and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
- Signs of the Time (The Causes of Injustices and Oppression in the World Today)
- Bases for Confession of Faith in the Face of Economic Injustice and Ecological Destruction
- Why Covenanting for Justice with the Accra Confession as a Church?
In the same communique, the church complemented the immediate past president of the state president J.J. 15) "We reject any attempt in the life of the Church that separates justice and unity".
The Methodist Church Ghana and Socio-Economic Transformation 2000-2006
- Governance and the Ghanaian Economy
- Serial Killing of Women
- Health
- Marriage and other Cultural Challenges
- Unemployment and Labour
- Bribery and Corruption
- Drug/Substance Abuse
- Religious Tolerance and the Challenge of Islam
- Human Rights Issues/other Social Issues
Members of the 2006 Synod call on the leadership of the Methodist Church hierarchy to bring back the church calendar. In the agenda of the church meeting in 2006, the Methodist Church again mentions the challenge posed by Islam to the church and the country as a whole.
- The State of the Ghanaian Economy
- The Presence and Challenge of Evil
- Bribery and Corruption
- Armed Robbery
- Serial Killings/Murders
- The Currency (Cedi)
- Health
- Education
- The Environment
- The Law/Judiciary, Human and Child Right
- Politics and Elections
- Infrastructure Development
- Chieftaincy Disputes and Religious Conflicts
According to the Catholic Church, there are positive signs of hope for the people of Ghana, given the difficulties in the country. In 2003, the Catholic Bishops' Conference complained about the increasing lack of discipline in the country.