The escalating moral decline among Ghanaian youth has become a pressing concern, prompting Apostle Kwaku Addei Jnr, General Overseer of Promise Word Church International, to issue a stark warning. He attributes this worrying trend to a collective failure of leadership across society, implicating religious leaders, parents, and governmental institutions for their inaction in curbing detrimental behaviors such as drug abuse, indecent dressing, and inappropriate hairstyles. Apostle Addei Jnr’s remarks, delivered during a five-day Prayer and Thanksgiving Revival, underscore the urgent need for a societal-wide intervention to address this growing crisis. He criticizes the passive stance taken by many, urging a proactive approach to reshape the negative lifestyles permeating the youth.
A core element of Apostle Addei Jnr’s critique centers on the perceived abdication of parental responsibility in instilling moral values. He laments the erosion of moral guidance within homes, observing a disturbing trend where parents passively permit their children to engage in harmful habits, ranging from inappropriate attire to substance abuse. This lack of parental oversight, he argues, creates a fertile ground for negative behaviors and contributes significantly to the moral decay observed among the younger generation. He contrasts this with the ideal of a home environment that provides consistent moral direction, fostering responsible behavior and a strong ethical compass.
Beyond the family unit, Apostle Addei Jnr extends his criticism to religious institutions, accusing them of failing to adequately engage children in spiritual development. He points to the practice of leaving children at home during religious services as a missed opportunity to impart vital moral teachings. This disconnect from spiritual guidance, in his view, contributes to the moral vacuum that leaves young people susceptible to negative influences. He emphasizes the crucial role of faith communities in nurturing moral growth and providing a strong foundation of ethical principles, a role that he feels is currently being neglected.
Apostle Addei Jnr’s concerns further encompass the broader societal context, highlighting the inaction of governmental bodies, traditional leaders, and civil society groups in addressing the escalating problem of antisocial behaviors. He argues that this widespread neglect has sown the seeds of future societal ills, potentially jeopardizing the quality of leadership in the years to come. He emphasizes the urgent need for these institutions to actively engage in shaping positive societal norms and deterring harmful behaviors, effectively fulfilling their roles in safeguarding the future of the nation.
The Apostle’s call to action focuses on empowering and supporting disciplinary institutions, urging society to allow these bodies to operate free from political or societal interference. He expresses concern over the normalization of indiscipline, citing examples of environmental and sanitation offences, traffic violations, and unregulated street vending as indicators of a growing disregard for the rule of law. He emphasizes the need to restore respect for authority and adherence to societal regulations, stressing that this requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.
Ultimately, Apostle Addei Jnr advocates for a united front in tackling the issue of moral decline, emphasizing that restoring discipline is a shared responsibility that begins at the most fundamental level – the home. He stresses the importance of intensifying moral upbringing within families and communities, arguing that this is the bedrock upon which a morally upright society is built. He calls on individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations, to actively participate in shaping the moral character of the younger generation, emphasizing that passive observation is no longer an acceptable stance in the face of this escalating crisis. He concludes by reiterating the timeless adage, “Charity begins at home,” urging everyone to take ownership of the moral development of young people within their sphere of influence.
