The Role of Ghana Baptist Convention in Addressing Human Rights, Freedom, and Moral Issues in Ghana: Successes and Challenges

ABSTRACT: Globally, human beings everywhere expect the realisation of diverse systems of rights, freedomand moral values to ensure their individual and collective well-being. This was highlighted in the SustainableDevelopment Goal (SDG) 16, which emphasises provision of access to justice for all and building effective,accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Human rights, freedom and morality as concepts continue togenerate a lot of debate within the global community; and Ghana is not an exception. The purpose of this studywas toexamine and evaluate how the Ghana Baptist Convention responds to contemporary debate on humanrights, freedom, and morality in the Ghanaian society. Methodology: Qualitative research approach anddescriptive research design were employed. Data was collected from various historical documents of the GhanaBaptist Convention to enhance an in-depth study about the role of Ghana Baptist Convention in addressingmoral issues in Ghana. Nine laity and ordained Ghana Baptist Convention personalities were purposivelysampled and interviewed to gather data. Data analysis: The data gathered was analysed qualitatively to describethe role of the church in dealing with moral issues related specifically to human rights and freedom. Results:The study found that there was a relationship between human rights, freedom and morality and that, unfetteredassertion of right and freedom has impacted on morality negatively. Conclusion: the study concluded that theunprincipled assertion of human rights and freedom without recourse to societal norms and ethical standardsprescribed by God impact on morality negatively. Recommendation: This study recommends that Ghanaiansshould critically examine the concepts of human rights and freedom in the light of our value system, laws andreligious faith. Again, all churches in Ghana and for that matter the Baptist Convention must intensify itsmissionary work so as to win more souls for the Lord.

Keywords: Human Rights, Freedom, Ghana Baptist Convention, Morality, Successes, Challenges.