President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the growing rates of crime and moral decline in Ghana, even though the majority of the population over 90% professes religious faith.

He emphasized that the presence of the church plays a vital role in preserving moral values and guiding society, arguing that without its influence, the situation could be significantly worse.

“There’s an often-heard argument that while more than 90% of Ghanaians profess to be persons of faith, immorality and crime are on the rise. And my answer to such people who make that argument is that the situation would probably have been worse if there was no church.

“Because consider that there was no church and people could do whatever they wanted. The situation would have been worse. And so the churches are doing their best,” President Mahama told the clergy in Kumasi on Sunday.

He further emphasized the importance of unity among Christian denominations, cautioning that internal divisions diminish the church’s overall impact and influence.

“It is essential to emphasise the importance of fostering unity among Christian denominations. A divided church weakens its impact.

“But a united church can transform society. Let us work together to build a vibrant and influential Christian community that speaks with one voice on issues of national development,” he urged.