Cleanliness Must Transcend Environment to Persona: EP Church Moderator

Introduction

In a powerful call to action for the new year, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church, Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (Rtd), has challenged Ghanaians to redefine their understanding of cleanliness. As the nation steps into 2026, the religious leader argues that maintaining a clean society goes far beyond sweeping streets and managing waste. It requires a fundamental shift toward personal integrity, spiritual purity, and moral discipline.

Under the thematic focus “Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Keep Clean!”, the Moderator’s message bridges the gap between physical sanitation and ethical living. This article explores the depth of this message, analyzing why holistic cleanliness—encompassing the spirit, soul, and body—is essential for national development and individual well-being.

Key Points

Background

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EP Church), is a historic mainline Protestant denomination with deep roots in the Volta Region and across the country. Established in the 19th century, the church has historically played a significant role in education, social welfare, and national discourse. The Moderator of the General Assembly is the highest elected leader, serving as a spiritual guide and moral compass for the denomination and the wider public.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (Rtd)

Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (Rtd) brings a unique blend of military discipline and spiritual leadership to his office. His background in the Ghana Armed Forces informs his emphasis on order, discipline, and structural integrity—values he seamlessly integrates into his theological teachings. His leadership style is characterized by a call for practical Christianity that manifests in daily living and civic responsibility.

The 2026 Theme: “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”

For the year 2026, the EP Church has adopted a theme that resonates with both biblical principles and universal moral values. While the phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is often attributed to religious tradition rather than scripture directly, it encapsulates the biblical call for holiness. By choosing this theme, the church aims to address the pressing issues of sanitation in urban areas and moral decadence in society simultaneously.

Analysis

From Environmental Sanitation to Ethical Purity

Rt. Rev. Dr. Agbeko’s message challenges the status quo of how cleanliness is perceived in Ghana. Traditionally, public discourse on cleanliness focuses on “Operation Clean Your Frontage” or waste management policies. However, the Moderator suggests that these efforts are superficial if the internal character of the citizenry remains “dirty.”

He posits that a society cannot achieve true sanitation if its foundations are cracked by corruption, malice, and dishonesty. Therefore, the call to “keep clean” is a call to examine the integrity of the heart and the discipline of the mind. This pedagogical shift moves the conversation from government fines to personal accountability.

The Spiritual Dimensions of Cleanliness

The Moderator emphasizes that holistic cleanliness serves as the root for healthy living. In theological terms, this aligns with the concept of the body as a temple. By linking cleanliness to God’s presence, the message suggests that a clean environment and a pure heart are prerequisites for spiritual blessings. This perspective encourages believers to view their actions—whether disposing of trash properly or speaking truthfully—as acts of worship.

Impact on National Cohesion and Business

A fascinating aspect of the Moderator’s analysis is the correlation between cleanliness and economic stability. He notes that “clean relationships” and “moral behavior” are essential for business and national cohesion. This is a verifiable sociological concept: societies with high levels of trust and low levels of corruption tend to have more robust economies. By advocating for a “clean country” in the ethical sense, Dr. Agbeko is indirectly advocating for a better business environment and reduced transactional friction.

Practical Advice

How to Practice Holistic Cleanliness in 2026

To align with the Moderator’s vision, citizens can adopt the following practical steps to ensure their lives reflect the theme of the EP Church:

• Guard Your Mind: Actively filter the information you consume. Avoid negativity in media and conversations, focusing instead on constructive and uplifting content.
• Forgive and Release: Holding onto grudges creates emotional “clutter.” Practice forgiveness to maintain a clean heart and healthy relationships.
• Strengthen Faith: Engage in regular spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation to maintain spiritual hygiene.
• Environmental Stewardship: Commit to the “Operation Clean Your Frontage” initiative by ensuring your immediate surroundings are free of litter.
• Integrity Checks: Regularly evaluate your business and personal dealings to ensure they align with ethical standards.

Building a Clean Society Together

The Moderator calls for collective accountability. This means that cleanliness is not just a personal endeavor but a communal one. Communities can organize clean-up exercises, but they must also foster environments where ethical behavior is celebrated and corruption is shunned. Collective responsibility ensures that the pursuit of cleanliness is sustainable and all-encompassing.

FAQ

Conclusion

Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko’s 2026 message is a clarion call for a comprehensive renewal of the Ghanaian society. By urging Ghanaians to let cleanliness transcend the atmosphere and touch their personas, he is advocating for a transformation that starts within and radiates outward. This approach suggests that the path to a prosperous, healthy, and God-fearing nation lies not just in the physical broom, but in the metaphorical broom of the heart that sweeps away malice, corruption, and negativity. As the nation embraces the new year, the Moderator’s guidance offers a blueprint for building a society that is clean in every sense of the word.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily. (2026, January 4). Cleanliness will have to transcend atmosphere to persona – EP Church Moderator.
• The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana. Official Communications and Thematic Declarations.
• Public statements by Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (Rtd).