The Catholic Bishop of Goaso, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, has cautioned that extending Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years will not automatically translate into national development unless the country elects leaders with the right mindset, integrity and commitment to serve.
He said the duration of a political mandate was not the fundamental issue confronting the country, stressing that what mattered most was the quality and mentality of the people entrusted with the responsibility of governing Ghana.
According to him, a leader with a genuine desire to serve the people could achieve significant results within the existing four-year presidential term, while an individual without the requisite commitment and conscience could remain in office for 10 years without bringing meaningful development to the country.
Most Rev. Atuahene made the remarks at the Goaso Diocesan Cathedral during celebrations to mark his 70th birthday and 40th anniversary of priestly ordination.
The celebration brought together Catholic bishops and archbishops, priests, religious sisters, traditional leaders, political figures, family members, friends and members of the Catholic community to celebrate the Bishop’s four decades of priestly service.
Leadership mentality
Addressing the gathering, Most Rev. Atuahene said the ongoing discussion about whether Ghana should extend the presidential term from four to five years required careful consideration by citizens.
He emphasised that increasing the period a president stays in office should not be seen as a substitute for responsible and purposeful leadership.
He argued that the development of Ghana depended largely on the character, conscience and commitment of those entrusted with political authority.
The Bishop said leaders who entered public office with a genuine determination to improve the lives of citizens could make a considerable impact within four years.
However, he noted that if leaders lacked the right mentality and commitment to national development, giving them additional years in office would not necessarily produce better outcomes.
He therefore urged Ghanaians to participate actively in discussions surrounding the constitutional review and share their views on the proposed changes.
His comments come at a time when constitutional reform proposals, including possible changes to the tenure of political office, have generated public discussion about Ghana’s system of governance.
The Bishop’s central message was that good governance must begin with the mindset and values of leaders, rather than merely the length of their tenure.
Call to remain faithful
Beyond the issue of political leadership, Most Rev. Atuahene used the occasion to encourage Christians to remain faithful to their God-given vocations.
He urged Christians not to abandon their divine calling, irrespective of the profession or field in which they found themselves.
He mentioned professions such as teaching, law, medicine and the priesthood, stressing that every vocation could be used to serve God and humanity when pursued with dedication and integrity.
He encouraged Christians to approach their respective responsibilities as opportunities to contribute positively to society and make a difference in the lives of others.
The Bishop’s call for faithfulness also reflected his own 40-year journey in the Catholic priesthood.
According to Catholic Church records, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene was ordained a priest on July 12, 1986, and later became the first Bishop of the Diocese of Goaso following its creation in 1997. �
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The Catholic Diocese of Goaso describes him as its first Bishop, with his installation taking place in Goaso in February 1998. �
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Tributes
Meanwhile, religious leaders and members of the Catholic Church who attended the double jubilee celebration expressed profound gratitude to God for the life and ministry of Bishop Atuahene.
Speaking in interviews with Oheneba Dankwah Jupitar Owusu, they commended the Bishop for what they described as his selfless dedication, humility and commitment to the growth of the Catholic Church and the development of the Goaso Diocese.
They described him as a true shepherd whose leadership and service over the years had made a lasting impression on priests, religious leaders, the youth and members of the wider Catholic community.
The celebrants said the Bishop’s 40 years in the priesthood represented a remarkable journey of service and sacrifice and prayed for God’s continued strength and guidance for him.
A life of service
The celebration therefore served not only as a birthday thanksgiving but also as an opportunity for the Catholic community and well-wishers to reflect on the Bishop’s contribution to the Church.
The Goaso Diocese, established in 1997, is a rural diocese covering districts in the Ahafo and Ashanti regions and has developed its pastoral structures and institutions under the leadership of Bishop Atuahene.
