A Theological Reflection on Work from a Contemporary Ghanaian perspective

Isaac Boaheng ORCID iD

Issue: Vol.6 No.14 Article 20 pp.3673 – 3682
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561420 | Published online 30th December, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Views: 57
80 Downloads

DOWNLOAD PDF

The productivity of a society is a major determinant of its socio-political and economic development. A positive attitude toward work promotes growth, innovation, and national progress, while a negative work ethic leads to stagnation and retrogression. In Ghana (the context of this study), despite the recognized value of work, many individuals and institutions exhibit attitudes that hinder productivity. Issues such as corruption, inefficiency, and undue emphasis on wealth accumulation by some religious groups have contributed to the country’s ongoing socio-economic challenges. This paper, therefore, seeks to offer a theological reflection on work, drawing from biblical-theological principles to propose a framework for cultivating a more responsible and productive work ethic. The study is literature-based, utilizing published books, journal articles, Bible commentaries, and academic dissertations to explore the theological foundations of work and their implications for contemporary Ghanaian society. The paper argues that work is not merely a means of survival but a divine mandate that reflects human participation in God’s creative and redemptive purposes. It discusses how a biblical understanding of work can reshape societal attitudes toward diligence, integrity, and service. The study recommends the integration of theological teachings on vocation into church education, leadership training, and national work ethics to promote accountability, productivity, and social transformation. The paper contributes to the fields of public theology and biblical studies by developing a theological framework that links faith, work, and national development. It also offers practical insights for fostering a work culture that aligns with biblical values and supports Ghana’s socio-economic progress.

Keywords: Corruption, Work Ethics, Theology of Work, Public Theology, Ghanaian Society

Adei, Stephen. “Transforming Ghana Beyond Aid: The Way Forward.” Members Journal: The Official Journal of The Institute of Chartered Accountants, 12–17.  Accra:  Institute of Chartered Accountants, 2018.

Adjei, N. G. “Poverty in Ghana: Theological Reflection on the Response of Some Churches in Kumasi Metropolitan Area.” Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2012.

Agang, S. B. “Work.” In African Public Theology, edited by S. B. Agang, A. A. Forster, and H. J. Hendriks. Cumbria:  HippoBooks, 2020.

Anane-Agyei, Nana Agyei-Kodie. Ghana’s Brong-Ahafo Region: Story of an African Society in the Heart of the World. Abibrem Communications, 2012.

Christian Council of Ghana. 2002 Christian Home Week: Booklet on Corruption. Accra: Christian Council of Ghana, 2002.

Cotterell, Peter. “Prosperity Theology.” Accessed September 1, 2018. http://www.theologynetwork.org/world-religions/going-on/prosperitytheology.htm.

Gifford, P. Ghana’s New Christianity: Pentecostalism in a Globalizing African Economy. London: Hurst and Company, 2004.

Goliama, C. M. “The Gospel of Prosperity in African Pentecostalism: A Theological and Pastoral Challenge to the Catholic Church – With Reference to the Archdiocese of Songea, Tanzania.”  University of Vienna, 2013.

Heward-Mills, Dag.  Why Non-Tithing Christians Become Poor and How Tithing Christians Become Rich. Wellington: Lux Verbi BM, 2009.

Hughes, John. The End of Work: Theological Critiques of Capitalism.  Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2007.

John Stott. Issues Facing Christians Today. Zondervan, Michigan 49530: Grand Rapids, , 2006.

Jusu, John (ed.). African Study Bible: God’s Word through African Eyes. Chicago, IL: Oasis International Limited, 2016.

Kudadjie, J. N., and Robert K. Aboagye-Mensah.  Christian Social Ethics.  Accra: Asempa Publishers, 1992.

Kunhiyop, Samuel Waje. African Christian Ethics. Nairobi: WordAlive Publishers, 2008.

Laryea, Philip T.  Patriotism and Nation Building: Perspectives from the Life and Utterances of Ephraim Amu.  Accra: Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2017.

National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC). National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2012–2021).  Accra: NACC, 2011.

Okosun, Don Enahimion. “Poverty, Illiteracy Cum Prosperity Theology: A Quantitative Study.” International Journal of Social Sciences (IJSS) 8, no. 1 (2018): 83–92.

Oyedepo, David. Possessing Your Possession.  Lagos: Dominion Publishing House, 2007.

Oyedepo, David O. Understanding Financial Prosperity.  Ikeja: Dominion Publishers, 1997.

Tanimu-Saminaka, I. U.  Exploring Theological Resources That Can Contribute to the Transformation, Recovery, Reclaiming of Human Dignity in a Gendered Development Process in Rural Communities of Africa. Integrated Rural Community Sustainable Development (IRCSD), 2019.

Zgheib, Philippe. “Bribery and Corruption.” In Business Law and Ethics: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications, edited by Information Resources Management Association, 144–58. Hershey, PA: Business Science Reference, 2015.

Isaac Boaheng holds a PhD in Religion Studies from the University of the Free State, South Africa. He lectures at the Christian Service University, Ghana, and serves as a Research Fellow at the Department of Biblical and Religion Studies, University of the Free State, South Africa. He has over hundred peer-reviewed publications.

Boaheng, Isaac. “A Theological Reflection on work from a contemporary Ghanaian perspective.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 14 (2025): 3673 – 3682, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561420

© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Articles in this Issue

About Journal