The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has challenged government and development partners to move beyond policy announcements and ensure effective implementation of social intervention programmes to advance inclusive national development.
Marking the World Day of Social Justice under the theme “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” the Council stressed that eliminating systemic discrimination, economic inequality and governance gaps requires collective action and measurable impact.
In a statement signed by Reverend Dr. Cyril G.K. Fayose, General Secretary of the Council, the CCG said social justice must transition from aspiration to lived reality, particularly for marginalised groups affected by poverty, unemployment, disability, gender inequality and rural neglect.
The Council linked its message to Ghana’s national motto, “Freedom and Justice,” describing it as a covenantal pledge to ensure equitable treatment for all citizens regardless of background. It urged stakeholders to extend opportunities and social protection to those still excluded from economic participation.
Call for Accountability and Collaboration
While commending John Dramani Mahama for initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, MahamaCares (Ghana Medical Trust Fund), “No-Fees-Stress,” Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability, Free Sanitary Pads Distribution, the Adwumawura Programme, LEAP expansion and Free Primary Healthcare, the Council emphasised that equitable and transparent implementation would determine their true impact.
It noted that government alone cannot achieve social justice and called on religious institutions, civil society and international partners — including the United Nations — to intensify collaboration, particularly in addressing inequalities tied to race, gender, sexuality and economic status.
The Council also drew attention to persistent challenges within the healthcare system, especially the “no bed syndrome,” describing it as incompatible with the principles of justice and human dignity.
The commemoration coincided with the Lenten season, prompting the Council to urge citizens to embrace reflection, compassion and acts of charity as pathways to building a more just society.
Reaffirming solidarity with the global observance led under UN auspices, the CCG expressed hope that renewed commitment to fairness and inclusion would foster a more peaceful, equitable and prosperous future for Ghana and the wider Global South.
