The Bishop of the Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Right Reverend Andrew Mbeah-Baiden, has urged individuals holding leadership positions to cultivate the habit of understanding and appreciate diverse perspectives to foster inclusive leadership.
According to him, it was significant for leaders to embrace diverse perspectives within their communities and organisations they found themselves to make it an inclusive environment for all.
“As leaders, we must approach leadership with openness, respect, and willingness to learn and to adjust, we must foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued,” he stated.
Rt Rev. Mbeah-Baiden made the call at the 7th Koomson/Ackah/Enchia memorial lecture held in Accra over the weekend to celebrate Retired Major Daniel Sowa Ablorh-Quarcoo and Mr Emmanuel Botchwey for their dedication and contribution towards the church.
Organised by the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowships, the lecture was on the topic; “Our Culture and Leadership.”
He noted that the lecture highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in leadership, emphasising that Christianity was a way of life that must shape one’s behavior and leadership style.
Citing an example of polygamy in the Bible, Rt Rev. Mbeah-Baiden highlighted how cultural context played a significant role in the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham, Jacob, and Solomon.
However, he noted that Christians belonged to a different culture that promotes monogamy and values hard work.
He stressed that Christianity was a way of life that must shape one’s behavior and leadership style, adding that “If Abraham’s Jewish culture permitted him to marry more than one, it does not mean that we Christians can also do the same, the Christian culture to which you and I belong does not allow it.”
“Effective leaders must recognise their own cultural biases and assumptions, avoid bias and stereotypes, and approach leadership with openness, respect, and a willingness to learn and adjust,” he asserted.
He urged members of the Men’s Fellowship to let their Christian culture impact positively on their organisations and leadership styles. “Let your Christian culture guide you on how to relate and lead the people under you.”
Mr Ablorh-Quarcoo and Mr Botchwey were awarded with citations and other prizes.
Mr Ablorh-Quarcoo was a past Connexional Chairman of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowships, became a Chairman, he was very instrumental in advancing the Men’s Fellowship project at Kwadaso to appreciable levels.
He was the principal Proponent of the Methodist Development Fund (MDF) during his tenure as General Director- Board of Finance and Development under the leadership of Most Reverend Dr Robert Aboagye Mensah as Presiding Bishop.
Also as the Chairman of the Finance Advisory Team, he spearheaded the revolution to move from the Assessment system of fund mobilization to the present Revenue Sharing system which enables the Church to pay the remuneration of all Ordained Ministers throughout the Connexion.
Mr Botchwey is a Founding member of the Immanuel Methodist Society in the Airport East Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana.
He is the Single highest contributor to Wesley Towers fund mobilisation drive, donated 15 acres of land and materials valued in excess of US$5million and singularly funded the provision of uniforms and fellowship paraphernalia for the inauguration of the Trinity Society Men’s Fellowship (Airport East Circuit) and two societies in Amanokrom and Tinkong.
BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA
