What was expected to be a session dominated by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s recent constitutional clarification on Stool, Skin and Palace functionaries took an unexpected turn at the special edition of PCG Connect held at the Zimmerman Congregation, Abokobi on Tuesday.
Instead, indiscipline in Ghana, especially intemperate language, disrespect for authority and growing disorder in public life, became the central concern of the day. The Abokobi Chief, Nii Samuel Adjetey Mohenu and elders, the three-member panel, and both the in person and online audience unanimously agreed that indiscipline has reached worrying levels and that the Church must respond decisively.
The Chief Recorder of the General Assembly, Rev. Kingsley Kweku Gyekye, the La Presbytery Lay Representative, Mrs. Eunice Naa Yeye Ocloo, and the Legal Officer of the Church, Richard Dua Ansah, Esq., all expressed concern that indiscipline is now pervasive in national life. They noted that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s historic reputation for discipline places a responsibility on the Church to help restore moral order.
The Abokobi Chief, speaking candidly, said the rise in disrespect, social misconduct and disregard for authority is “too much,” adding that communities are struggling to manage behaviours that were once considered unacceptable. The Abokobi elders shared the same sentiment, insisting that the Church must not sit unconcerned while moral standards decline.
The Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev. David Aboagye Danquah, who had earlier outlined major decisions from the 26th General Assembly, said the Church cannot ignore the growing crisis of indiscipline. He reminded the audience that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana was built on discipline, order and Christian maturity, values that must not be compromised. He said that if the Church is known for discipline, then it must not sit unconcerned while indiscipline rises in the nation.
Panelists described indiscipline as a national threat affecting governance, education, family life, public discourse and even church life. They called for stronger Christian formation, intentional discipleship and renewed emphasis on respectful communication, especially among the youth.
Audience members online and in the chapel shared similar concerns, urging the Church to intensify teaching on Christian conduct and strengthen congregational discipline structures.
While the chieftaincy clarification was discussed, it was clear that indiscipline overshadowed all other matters, emerging as the issue that touched the conscience of the Church and community most deeply.
The panel urged Presbyterians to model discipline in their homes, workplaces and communities, saying the Church must lead by example as Ghana navigates a challenging moral landscape. The panel discussion was hosted by the Public Relations Officer of the church, Jerome Otchere.
By Jerome Otchere
