By Richard Nana Amoako, Belgium
In Matthew 24:24, the Bible warns: “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
Later, in verse 44, it adds: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
These two verses carry a profound lesson for Ghana’s political life.
The Rise of Political “Prophets” Since independence, Ghana has been blessed with leaders who carried visions of freedom, unity, and development. Yet alongside them, we have also seen those who cloak themselves in the garments of saviors, promising transformation while driven by self-interest.
Just as false prophets in scripture sought to mislead even the elect, some political leaders in Ghana master the art of rhetoric, exploiting the genuine hopes of citizens for their own gain.
Grand promises of jobs, industrialization, or a corruption-free government often win the hearts of the electorate. But when these promises collapse into scandals, inefficiency, and rising inequality, the people are left disillusioned.
The warning of Matthew 24:24 could not be more relevant: not every voice that sounds convincing, not every manifesto that shines brightly, is rooted in truth or service.
The Call to Readiness Matthew 24:44 reminds believers to be vigilant, for the unexpected will surely come. Applied to Ghanaian politics, this verse calls for an alert citizenry.
Democracy is not a
one-day ritual at the ballot box; it requires continuous vigilance, accountability, and preparation for the challenges that arise without warning.
The global economy shifts rapidly. Climate change poses risks to agriculture and livelihoods. Corruption scandals can erupt overnight. In such times, a passive citizenry suffers most. Readiness, therefore, means strengthening institutions, demanding transparency, and refusing to be swayed by empty words. Just as the Christian must live daily with an eye on the unexpected return of Christ, so must Ghanaians live daily with an eye on the unexpected turns of politics.
Lessons for Today – Discernment: We must test every political message, not by its charm, but by its consistency and moral substance
Readiness: We must build resilient systems that protect the nation, no matter who sits in power.
Accountability: Leaders must know that the people are watching, not just on election day but every day.
Conclusion
Matthew 24 offers Ghana a timeless lesson: false prophets will always rise, in churches, in communities, and yes, in politics. But deception need not prevail. If citizens sharpen their discernment and maintain constant readiness, Ghana can move from disillusionment to transformation. The task is not only for politicians but for all who love this nation
