Don't insult President Mills - Odeyifo Dadebo

Agona Mensakrom (C/R), April 5, GNA - The Head Pastor and Founder of Wade Harris 12 Apostles Church, Odeyifo Dadebo Acquah, has called on Ghanaians not to take advantage of free speech as guaranteed by the Constitution to insult President Mills and other prominent public Officials. He said it was also time for the people to accord equal respect to the two living former Presidents, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, since they had done a lot for the socio-economic advancement of the country.

Addressing a four-day Easter Convention at Mensakrom in the Agona East District of the Central Region, Odeyifo Acquah said it was unfortunate that some Ghanaians had taken the proliferation of radio stations and the phone-in programmes to insult and ridicule the President and Ministers of State.

"Ghana's democratic dispensation has thrived and paved way for other African countries to learn from us but we must do clean politics", Odeyifo Acquah said.

He stated that the first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, left a good legacy which had inspired many Africans and other world leaders to emulate the quality leadership he exhibited.

Odeyifo Acquah said there was the need for the people to stop showing disrespect to public office holders, especially MPs, Ministers of State and Chief Executives Officers (CEOs) to enhance peace, harmony and development. He called on the supporters of the two dominant political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to desist from personal attacks and acts of vandalism and rather exercise restraint especially when discussing matters of national development. The founder cautioned greedy and selfish pastors and other religious leaders to stop such practice because it discouraged people from attending church to worship their creator.

At the Agona Swedru Assemblies of God Church, more than 500 women received free breast cancer screening to determine their health status. The exercise which was undertaken at the cost of the church, was conducted by breast cancer specialist based in Kumasi, Dr Beatrice Wiafe, who also tested members for prostrate cancer and hepatitis 'B' diseases. The Reverend Samuel Agyiri Mireku-Nkrumah said the church would not seek the spiritual aspect of the members alone, but their health needs as well, to enable them to discharge their businesses without any health problem. He urged the government to expand the nation's Youth in Employment Programme to help absorb more unemployed youth who were roaming on the streets.

Mr Fiifi Arthur, Chairman of the Convention Committee, urged the members of the church to obey the word of God. 5 April 10