2 research outputs found
Unethical Ministerial Practices Among Some Ghanaian Pastors
In recent times, ministerial misconduct of Ghanaian pastors has become rampant in print, electronic and social media. How do we explain these acts of indecency perpetrated under the guise of freedom of religion by some ministers that identify with Christianity? What accounts for these behaviours? And what could be done to prevent such strange practices from escalating to disaster proportions? To answer these questions, data were collected from published literature and media reports. The study argues that the consistent unethical practices, activities, and utterances of some Ghanaian pastors negatively affect Christian ministry in Ghana. Focusing on some of the unethical ministerial practices and initiatives undertaken by these pastors, this article investigates the reasons responsible for their occurrences and proffers remedial suggestions. The study draws attention to uncaring shepherds, the seared conscience of some pastors, easily manipulated congregations, sleeping shepherds and the high demand for deliverance services by congregants as possible reasons that bring about these unethical ministerial practices. Finally, the article contends that to achieve a desired transformative Christian ministry in Ghana, the Church must pay attention to the religious practices of some pastors and if possible, find a way to regulate them
Asymptomatic Malaria Prevalence and Health Facility Influence on the Attitude of Facility Users in Malaria Meso-Endemic Districts in Ghana
Asymptomatic adults are a regular pool for malaria transmission because of their roles as parasite reservoirs of infection. This study aimed to assess activities at various healthcare facilities that could influence the health seeking attitudes of facility users and to determine malaria infection status of ‘healthy’ adults who accompanied ill relations to selected health facilities. The descriptive, cross-sectional study employed cluster-probability sampling technique to recruit 849 participants from seven districts in malaria meso-endemic forest zone of Ghana. Questionnaires were administered and capillary blood samples were taken for malaria diagnostic tests. While 51.6% had their expectations fully met, 48.4% were dissatisfied because of delays, poor attitude of healthcare staff and hidden charges. Asymptomatic malaria prevalence was 13.1% (111 out of 849). Facility-related challenges can impede access and affect the health-seeking behaviour of potential clients to a health facility. Client satisfaction may not only be limited to clinical effectiveness, so healthcare facilities should consider socio-psychological acceptability and perceptions as well as proactive screening to reduce the menace of malaria infection reservoir